[Waiting time between acute event and rehabilitation: continuity of nursing care and rehabilitation. Analysis and suggestions for a Service of Protected Discharge].

Introduction: In recent years, in Italy, population lengthening of life leads to an higher number of individuals with chronic diseases (Osservatorio, 2010). The hospital which deals with the acute phase of diseases needs to be integrated with primary care. This connection is particularly important for the treatment, care and rehabilitation of patient, as well as a general need for more health and social care integrated tools.