[An effective clinical leadrship to strenghten the immunization policies in Italy].

Effective governance for health is a prerequisite for implementing a transformation in healthcare. Any change, in order to be fully implemented, requires a strong and transparent leadership. The recent drop in vaccine cover has led our National Health Service to implement a number of changes in health prevention and immunization strategies that make vaccination an optimal paradigm of how healthcare leadership should not remain the focus of few scientists and public health specialists, but it should be more and more widespread at all levels.

Detecting persons at risk for diabetes mellitus type 2 using FINDRISC: results from a community pharmacy-based study.

Background: This cross-sectional study has been developed within the framework of the Italian project 'We love your heart' ('Ci sta a cuore il tuo cuore') and reports the results of the initial type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk assessment carried out in a big network of community pharmacies in Italy and Spain.

Methods: In total 4002 pharmacists from 854pharmacies were specifically trained to collect data and perform the evaluation of the probability of developing T2DM among pharmacy customers. The risk of developing T2DM within 10 years was evaluated using the FINDRISC.

Therapy experiences and preferences among patients with anemia: Results of a cross-sectional survey among Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Anemia represents one of the most common and often the least treated complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims: Our study investigates experiences and preferences concerning anemia treatment in patients with IBD.

Methods: IBD patients previously diagnosed with anemia were invited to participate in an anonymous survey between July and September 2015, which assessed demographic and clinical data, and experiences regarding anemia treatment.

[Determinants of work-related accidents in Italian Regions].

Objective: To identify the determinants of the regional differences in work injuries and mortality rates in Italy.

Methods: Several linear regression models were built assessing the association between regional differences in work mortality and injury rates (as dependent variables) and socio-demographic factors (occupation and population) and variables describing alcohol consumption, mean age and availability of health care (as independent variables). Data sources are from ISTAT, INAIL, Health for All database and the national report Osservasalute.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of oral fentanyl formulations for breakthrough cancer pain treatment.

Breakthrough cancer Pain (BTcP) has a high prevalence in cancer population. Patients with BTcP reported relevant health care costs and poor quality of life. The study assessed the cost-effectiveness of the available Oral Fentanyl Formulations (OFFs) for BTcP in Italy.

Health technology assessment of belimumab: a new monoclonal antibody for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is treated with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs and off-label biologics. Belimumab is the first biologic approved after 50 years as an add-on therapy for active disease. This paper summarizes a health technology assessment performed in Italy.

The prevention of postmenopausal osteoporotic fractures: results of the Health Technology Assessment of a new antiosteoporotic drug.

Objective: The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) approach was applied to denosumab in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women.

Method: Epidemiological, clinical, technical, economic, organizational, and ethical aspects were considered. Medical electronic databases were accessed to evaluate osteoporosis epidemiology and therapeutical approaches.

Building successful collaborations between Public Health and Primary Health Care.

Public Health (PH) and Primary Health Care (PHC) need to be better integrated, at different levels of the healthcare system, in order to improve health and social outcomes. The aim of this study was to review international models and approaches supporting the integration of PH and PHC and to classify these according to their main focus. A literature search was performed using the main scientific databases, to identify national and international journal publications regarding models to support integration between PH and PHC.