With the easing of the pressure of Covid-19, the time has come to reorganize the assistance network. An important signal in this direction comes from the Chamber of Deputies which unanimously approved the Unitary Motion on rheumatological diseases, a provision that establishes 12 fundamental points for improving the care of over 5 million patients residing in our country.
Rheumatological diseases
As Roberto Gerli, President of the Italian Society of Rheumatology (Sir) points out, “rheumatological diseases can no longer be underestimated”. These conditions affect about 10% of the Italian population and represent one of the main causes of chronic pain and disability. Associated health expenditure is estimated at around 5 million euros. in short, the impact on society as a whole is considerable. “This is why we expected a strong signal from Italian politics, which has finally come”.
The “12 points”
The provision approved by the Chamber commits the Executive to promote actions in the field of scientific research, telemedicine and new technologies; to establish national guidelines for prevention-early diagnosis-assistance and the implementation of the use of the electronic health record. Furthermore, the Government will have to establish specific performance indicators, set up a specific table at the Ministry of Health, improve the continuous training of family doctors, guarantee the appropriateness of therapy and continuity of care and encourage greater involvement at the regional level of associations of patients. Finally, the importance of adopting specific guidelines and protocols is established to protect the health needs of workers with chronic-rheumatological diseases and greater involvement of pharmacists in the development and strengthening of a care network.
“Now it is necessary that the measures do not remain only on paper and that they translate into concrete benefits for patients, caregivers and medical professionals”, comments Mauro Galeazzi, Scientific Director of the Understanding Observatory. “In particular, the lack of homogeneity in access to treatment with biological and innovative drugs must be countered. It is one of the major criticalities recorded in recent years, which has exacerbated the differences in opportunities between patients in the various territories. The motion approved by the Chamber clearly highlights this aspect which requires a joint effort by the competent institutions both at local and national level ”.
The direct commitment of patients
“It is excellent news that also rewards our awareness-raising work carried out in comparison with national institutions”, reiterates Silvia Tonolo, President of Anmar Onlus – National Association of Rheumatic Diseases, who underlines the crucial importance of the post-pandemic moment to intervene. “For the third year in a row we cannot find ourselves next autumn with the same problems encountered since the beginning of 2020. At the same time, some critical issues such as therapeutic-assistance continuity were already evident before the start of the pandemic. There is an urgent need for a national table in which patient associations and scientific societies participate “.
Finally, the representatives of patients and clinicians thank all the deputies who promoted and voted on yesterday’s motion. A special thanks, for their commitment and dedication in carrying out the provision, goes to the Honorable: Rossana Boldi (Vice President of the XII Social Affairs Commission of the Chamber); Fabiola Bologna (Secretary of the Social Affairs and Health Commission Bicameral Commission for Childhood and Adolescence Chamber); Massimiliano De Toma (Member of the Chamber’s Productive Activities, Commerce and Tourism Commission) and Andrea Mandelli (Member of the Chamber’s Budget, Treasury and Planning Commission).