Hospital psychology: state-of-the-art and prospects. Which clinical skills?

The experience of a Psychology Service in an Italian hospital.

Abstract

This article will analyze: hospital psychology, the role of the psychologist in the hospital, and how this role will have more importance over time within the healthcare context. Starting from a historical and regulatory analysis, which allows us to clarify its role, tasks, and characteristics, we move on to observe the organization of the “Units” in which the psychologist operates and then we analyze the experience of the Psychology Service of the Nursing Home of " Villa delle Querce”. The aim is to demonstrate how the figure of the hospital psychologist is fundamental within a medical team, as it guarantees greater consideration of the patient's emotional experience within the treatment process, contributing to the promotion of his well-being. Furthermore, this kind of intervention allows a reduction of hospital care costs. A summary of this analysis can be found in the Psychological Service of Villa delle Querce, as, here, the role of the hospital psychologist is central. As a matter of fact, he works with the medical team and assumes an active role in the process of promoting both physical and mental health