The role of neurology in the development of community healthcare within the Italian national health service. The position of the Italian society of neurology (SIN).

Abstract

Neurological disorders rank within the leading causes of disability and premature death in Europe and Italy, and their prevalence is expected to rise due to the aging population. In Italy, the current approach to neurological care is primarily centered in hospitals. However, an effective community-based neurology care system would ensure that patients receive appropriate care in the right setting, from the right healthcare professional, and at the right time. This "precision" approach would also alleviate the burden on acute neurology facilities. To address the growing demand for neurological care services, experts from the Italian Society of Neurology (SIN) have launched a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting a transformative program in local health and care systems, enabling them to better meet the needs of neurological patients. This document presents a set of consensus recommendations for redesigning neurological care in Italy, with the objective of aligning services with the health requirements of neurological patients and establishing an integrated model for managing neurological disorders.