How ready is the Italian healthcare system regarding the use of genomics in medicine? An application of the Beyond 1 Million Genomes (B1MG) Maturity Level Model (MLM)
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1
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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General Directorate for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
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Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Economics, Advanced School of Health Economics and Management (ALTEMS), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Section of Hygiene, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1772
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: The integration of genomics into healthcare systems allows to fulfilling the potential of Personalised Medicine for patients and citizens. This demands countries to make extensive adjustments in key areas, such as technical infrastructure, health professional competencies, or ethical and legal frameworks. Within this context, effective identification of current challenges and barriers to integrating genomics in the healthcare system is crucial to define a path toward sustainable implementation. Methods: We applied the B1MG MLM framework to assess the maturity of the Italian national health system (NHS) regarding the key aspects of genomics implementation. From March to June 2022, 18 experts from academic and non-academic institutions that participate in the B1MG activities rated on a 5-point scale (from ad hoc to fully implemented) the level of maturity of 49 indicators grouped into eight domains: governance (I), economic aspects (II), ethics and legislation (III), public awareness (IV), workforce skills (V), clinical organization (VI), clinical genomics guidelines (VII), and data infrastructure (VIII). From July to September 2022, consensus procedures were carried out within each domain. Results: The analysis showed that Italy stands at a local level of genomics implementation in most indicators, but several regional and/or national initiatives are currently ongoing. Specifically, genomic medicine is considered a priority but still lacks updated strategies, governance, and investment plans. The highest maturity is reached for ethical and legal aspects, followed by domain VII. There is a strong need to invest in workforce training for some health professionals, citizen engagement, and literacy. Infrastructures to improve data security and fairification are still under development. Conclusions: We defined the status of genomics implementation in the Italian NHS, drawing a comprehensive picture of all key domains and identifying areas that need immediate investment. Regional and national initiatives currently ongoing need to be monitored.
CITATIONS (1):
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