Italian Regions developed their Regional Prevention Plans 2010-2012 (PRPs) following the guidance provided by the Ministry of Health’s National Prevention Plan 2010-2012 (PNP). Within PRPs, each Region should implement projects in the areas of universal prevention, prevention in populations at risk, predictive medicine and prevention of complications and recurrence of diseases. A preliminary analysis of projects included in the 19 PRPs was conducted with the aim to identify strengths and weaknesses in prevention planning and to provide indications to strengthen regional capacities in this area. Methods A specific tool was designed by a Scientific Committee promoted by the Italian Ministry of Health to conduct an evidence-based analysis of PRPs’ projects. The analysis explored different items, such as the coherence of regional projects with local contexts and policies, the degree of attention to specific public health issues and the adherence to the principles of Project Cycle Management (PCM) and Evidence Based Prevention (EBP). Results A total of 705 projects were developed by Italian Regions. Most of them were in the areas of universal prevention (62.9%) and prevention of population at risk (27.1%). Nearly 20% of projects aimed at the prevention of unhealthy lifestyles. Projects were coherent with the local epidemiological context (82.1%) and with regional health policies (81.3%), even if not all local health needs were addressed. The use of behavioral surveillance systems for prevention planning was not very high (less than 50%). Monitoring & evaluation strategies were included in 97.4% of projects, while the assessment of sustainability was very poor (10%). Adherence to EBP methods was limited (only 22.8% of projects provided evidence of the intervention proposed). Conclusions This preliminary analysis of projects included in the 19 PRPs identified strengths and weaknesses in the prevention planning process. The need to increase the adoption of EBP principles is evident, as well as the need for a better assessment of sustainability. Further and more detailed analysis will provide strong evidence to support the development of next PNP and PRPs.
The process of prevention planning in Italy: a preliminary analysis of 705 projects included in Regional Prevention Plans (PRPs)
ROSSO, ANNALISA;
2013
Abstract
Italian Regions developed their Regional Prevention Plans 2010-2012 (PRPs) following the guidance provided by the Ministry of Health’s National Prevention Plan 2010-2012 (PNP). Within PRPs, each Region should implement projects in the areas of universal prevention, prevention in populations at risk, predictive medicine and prevention of complications and recurrence of diseases. A preliminary analysis of projects included in the 19 PRPs was conducted with the aim to identify strengths and weaknesses in prevention planning and to provide indications to strengthen regional capacities in this area. Methods A specific tool was designed by a Scientific Committee promoted by the Italian Ministry of Health to conduct an evidence-based analysis of PRPs’ projects. The analysis explored different items, such as the coherence of regional projects with local contexts and policies, the degree of attention to specific public health issues and the adherence to the principles of Project Cycle Management (PCM) and Evidence Based Prevention (EBP). Results A total of 705 projects were developed by Italian Regions. Most of them were in the areas of universal prevention (62.9%) and prevention of population at risk (27.1%). Nearly 20% of projects aimed at the prevention of unhealthy lifestyles. Projects were coherent with the local epidemiological context (82.1%) and with regional health policies (81.3%), even if not all local health needs were addressed. The use of behavioral surveillance systems for prevention planning was not very high (less than 50%). Monitoring & evaluation strategies were included in 97.4% of projects, while the assessment of sustainability was very poor (10%). Adherence to EBP methods was limited (only 22.8% of projects provided evidence of the intervention proposed). Conclusions This preliminary analysis of projects included in the 19 PRPs identified strengths and weaknesses in the prevention planning process. The need to increase the adoption of EBP principles is evident, as well as the need for a better assessment of sustainability. Further and more detailed analysis will provide strong evidence to support the development of next PNP and PRPs.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
