Clinical Governance: l'esperienza dell'A.O.R.N. Cardarelli di Napoli

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of clinical governance at the Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale (AORN) Antonio Cardarelli in Naples, Italy. As the preeminent healthcare institution in the Campania region, boasting a significant bed capacity, AORN Cardarelli faces the formidable challenge of upholding quality and safety standards within a complex and dynamic healthcare landscape. To achieve these objectives, the hospital fosters collaborative endeavors among healthcare professionals, encompassing physicians, nurses, and other essential personnel, to realize the goals of clinical governance. This entails involving healthcare providers in pivotal decision-making processes, ranging from investment strategies to the formulation of the institutional charter, as well as organizational changes and professional development initiatives. The hospital has established various internal departments that assume responsibility for distinct facets of clinical governance, including Diagnostic-Therapeutic Care Pathways (PDTA), systems for monitoring clinical outcomes, risk management teams, training programs, health technology assessment (HTA), performance evaluation mechanisms, and research endeavors. Despite the inherent challenges encountered by public institutions, AORN Cardarelli has proactively introduced innovative proposals to surmount these obstacles, such as operator training programs, a dedicated unit specializing in communication and innovation, and tailored care pathways designed specifically for women’s health. This article elucidates the experiences gained and outlines future trajectories for clinical governance at AORN Cardarelli, underscoring its commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and enhancing patient outcomes.