Evaluation of the work environment in a local healthcare organisation in Italy: practical aspects and Public Health relevance

The aim of this study was to evaluate a model of analysis of the work environment in a healthcare setting in Italy and its potential utility as tool for improving the quality of care and safeguarding the health of users. The experimental model was generated in a publicly funded hospital and in a healthcare district of a local healthcare organisation. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the work environment and its constituents. Sixty-eight percent of those interviewed were aware of the objectives of the organisation, and 74% of the organisational structure. Only 34% however admitted feeling satisfied with the organisation's communication strategies and integration processes. Overall, most workers (84%) reported being highly satisfied with their work even though only half (52%) reported feeling part of the organisation, 34% of being satisfied with the organisation's current career advancement opportunities and 29% of being satisfied with the professional training opportunities offered. Nurses reported the lowest level of satisfaction, especially those working in healthcare districts. The results of this study show that healthcare workers' perception of the work environment are varied in both hospitals and healthcare districts. They also show that the proposed model is useful for evaluating the work environment in a healthcare setting.