Towards logic models for the analysis and evaluation of the criticalities in chronic patients' care paths

Purpose – The aim of the present paper is to examine how the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICTs) can have positive implications in a territorial context, where healthcare organizations are characterized by limited organizational independence and lack of individual statutory autonomy, with limited level of integration between the involved parties (healthcare operators, managers, and patients) and an uneven management of data and of information-sharing. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken was an investigation based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods for information-gathering and data-analysis in the context of diabetes care. A case study approach was adopted with the aim of enhancing general practitioners' (GPs') performance levels through an evaluation monitoring and by controlling care paths dynamics. Findings – The realization of the target care path for chronic–degenerative pathologies in the Local Health Trust “Naples 4” in Campania Region (Italy) led to the identification of a suitable framework that modifies, through the implementation of ICT tools, the communications dynamics and the interaction/integration for those actors involved in a patient's care path. Originality/value – Healthcare markets are currently experiencing an acceleration of technological developments; the study tries to show how the appropriate adoption of new technologies can lead to improvements for the quality of care, managing at the same time the consequent rising costs in the sector. © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited