How primary care research can be improved in clinical practice? An Italian case study.

Background: Primary care is considered essential for the sustainability of the Health System. Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN) play a strategic role in translation of primary care research into practice. Research Capacity Building in primary care requires a improvement and development strategy and well-developed research infrastructures to support physicians.

Long-Term Survival among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 during the First Three Epidemic Waves: An Observational Study in a Northern Italy Hospital.

The mortality rate of hospitalized COVID-19 patients differed strongly between the first three pandemic waves. Nevertheless, their long-term survival has been poorly assessed. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and mortality rates of 825 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection who were hospitalized at the Alessandria hub hospital, in Northern Italy, during the first fifty days of the first three pandemic waves.

DM management in HIV patients: the adoption of population health management to transform the chronic management of HIV.

Background: The success of antiretroviral therapies has made human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a chronic disease, changing the care scenario dramatically. This study aimed to measure adherence to diabetes mellitus standards of care provided for people living with HIV (PLWH). Diabetes represents a paradigmatic case for tackling chronic care management in this target group.

Patient's point of view on the use of telemedicine in multiple sclerosis: a web-based survey.

Restrictions in the access to healthcare facilities during COVID-19 pandemic have raised the need for remote monitoring of chronic medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In order to enable the continuity of care in these circumstances, many telemedicine applications are currently tested. While physicians' preferences are commonly investigated, data regarding the patients' point of view are still lacking.

Evaluating the appropriateness of elective surgery: The case of spinal fusion (arthrodesis).

Introduction: Appropriateness is an essential element of quality of care. Several methods and tools have been developed to measure the appropriateness of care, however, none of these could be used to systematically support providers in keeping the appropriateness under control. Our study aimed to develop a framework to evaluate the appropriateness of care that took into account four dimensions of appropriateness: clinical dimension, equity, service delivery model, outcome.

Administrative databases and clinical governance: The case of COPD.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, COPD is still underdiagnosed, undertreated, and not sufficiently prevented. Health administrative databases provide a powerful way of studying COPD in the population.

INTEGRATED CARE PATHWAYS IN LUNG CANCER: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.

Background: Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis and treatment is a highly complex process, requiring managerial skills merged with clinical knowledge and experience. Integrated care pathways (ICPs) might be a good strategy to overview and improve patient's management. The aim of this study was to review the ICPs of NSCLC patients in a University Hospital and to identify areas of quality improvement.

Italy's contribution to global health: the need for a paradigm shift.

This paper reviews Italian Development Assistance for Health and overall contribution to Global Health from 2001 to 2012. It analyses strategies and roles of central and decentralized authorities as well as those of private non-profit and corporate actors. The research illustrates a very low and unstable official contribution that lags far behind internationally agreed upon objectives, a highly fragmented institutional scenario, and controversial political choices favouring "vertical" global initiatives undermining national health systems, and in contrast with Italian deep-rooted principles, traditional approaches and official guidelines.