The city of Trieste as the center of the attention to the person: an historical and cultural framework of the enabling nursing, a fertile ground for the development of Engagement

Abstract

The Author of the article summarizes the core aspects and theoretical assumptions of the “Enabling Approach” that has characterized the clinical practice of the ASUGI for years. The model has proved to be effective in positively influencing the quality of life of individuals assisted and in reducing the number of hospitalisations. The model affirms the need to establish relations of a mainly symmetrical nature with the individuals assisted and their caregivers. On the contrary, according to this approach, proposing a “top-down” asymmetric relationship with the patient means responding to an unconscious health professional’s need of power over the patient rather than to the patient’s real needs. This aspect, in the perspective of the Author, lies at the basis of the active involvement (Engagement) of patients in their health care processes.