The project aims at analyzing the topic of complex medication schemes management in elderly patients, conceiving it as a social process that involves networks of heterogeneous actors (patients and their relatives, caregivers, doctors, health technologies, nurses). Using a mixed methods approach, AETAS focuses on care practices, social rules and roles, formal and informal relations through which complex therapies are managed. The research design involves four steps:

1. Literature review. The first phase of the project is devoted to an in-depth study of theoretical and methodological issues regarding care practices, networks of health services and the management of complex therapies.

2. Field research. The second phase consists in the core empirical activities, that are conducted according to two complementary approaches:

• Quantitative analysis: a survey conducted through CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing) technique. The goal of the survey is the understanding of social representation of general practitioners about the management of complex therapies among elderly people in the Province of Trento.
• Qualitative analysis: about 45 in depth interviews addressed to elderly people with multiple health problems and their caregivers. The interviews are conducted in three territorial contexts in the Province of Trento. Patients are selected considering the extension of their care networks, the complexity of their therapies, and their level of adherence to medical prescriptions.

3. Development of recommendations. In agreement with the main research findings, the project develops:

• Suggestions for a technological and organizational support in the management of complex therapies.
• Risk assessment scales, used to stratify patients with different levels of social inclusion and therapeutic complexity;
• Specific training courses for caregivers and elderly patients.

4. Dissemination. The main results of the project are disseminated through the:

• organization of seminars targeted at academic community, policy makers and health professionals;
• participation in national and international conferences, publication of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, publication of a volume.

Researchers and affiliations: Enrico Maria Piras (scientific supervisor) FBK, Francesco Miele FBK, Attila Bruni UNITN, Marco Clerici SMMG, Claudio Coletta UNITN, Alberto Zanutto UNITN.

Period: December 2012- November 2014

Funding: Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Trento e Rovereto (CA.RI.TRO)