Professional identity in community care: The case of specialist physicians in outpatient services in Italy

Due to changes in social and health needs, the reorganisation of health systems towards community and primary care requires the redefinition of different professional identities and practices. This paper focuses on the specialists in the system: the physicians who work in outpatient services (local health authorities, hospitals, and other institutions) not as dependents but under private contract. This doctor has to balance the professional...