Team infermieristici di comunità ed empowerment: studio di tre casi nella realtà italiana

(Abstract in inglese) Primary care system strengthening is one of the main objectives for health policy-makers. One of the most relevant instruments for decision-makers and managers is developing the role and competences of nurses operating in the community, besides those of general practitioner. Despite this, it is still rather unclear how different organizational and service models involving nurses in primary care might influence their level of empowerment. The study describes, through case studies, the organization, activities and operations of communitynursing teams in three Local Health Authorities. The «Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire II» to measure their level of empowerment showed good levels of nurses’ empowerment. The model in which the team operates is considered by nurses as most flexible and satisfying. Critical issues emerged in relationship and level of communication between community nursing teams and the primary care managers of Local Health Authority.