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Palliative care in Italy: the current situation
1Medicine and Radiotherapy Department, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy. asban@ieo.cilea.it
Summary
Palliative care in Italy, started in the 1970s, faces challenges despite significant efforts. Progress is uneven across regions, with financial and legislative hurdles threatening advancements in end-of-life care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sciences
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Palliative care services in Italy were established in the late 1970s, spearheaded by Professor Ventafridda.
- The development of palliative care principles and practices in Italy has spanned over 15 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress and current status of palliative care in Italy.
- To identify challenges hindering the widespread adoption and integration of palliative care.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of the evolution of palliative care in Italy.
- Review of regional progress and national initiatives.
Main Results:
- Despite substantial efforts from organizations like the Italian Society for Palliative Care, national health authority involvement remains limited.
- Palliative care advancement is inconsistent, with some Italian regions achieving goals while others lag significantly.
- Recent health system reforms and financial constraints pose risks to established palliative care services.
Conclusions:
- The widespread acceptance and integration of palliative care in Italy are hampered by a lack of clear national and regional legislation.
- Continued efforts are needed to overcome systemic barriers and ensure the sustainability of palliative care in Italy.
- Addressing financial difficulties and legislative gaps is crucial for the future of palliative care in the Italian healthcare system.