The Public Health
Bridging the gap between innovation and large-scale implementation to ensure a significant improvement in the health and well-being of individuals and communities. We discuss this with Professor Nicola Bellè, Associate Professor of Business Economics at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa and scientific coordinator of Spoke 10 of THE – Tuscany Health Ecosystem.
Promoting health in remote areas. One of the main objectives of Spoke 10 is to promote health in remote areas of Tuscany, often lacking resources and accessible services. Through close collaboration between the Tuscan healthcare system, the third sector, businesses, and the scientific community, Spoke 10 is implementing innovative initiatives. Among these, the Permanent Population Observatory, conceived by Rector Prof. Nuti of Sant’Anna School, serves as a crucial resource: it provides inhabitants of remote areas with a digital channel for feedback on the quality of health and social services, digital connectivity, and community-related aspects. This approach allows for personalized services, reducing healthcare disparity and promoting well-being on a territorial basis.
Digital health and access to healthcare services. Digitalization of healthcare is another fundamental pillar for Spoke 10. Three clinics for teleconsultation and teleassistance have been established, allowing citizens to access specialist care without needing to travel. Telemonitoring systems ensure continuity between hospitals and communities, ensuring that patients with chronic conditions receive support directly at home. Educational programs have been launched to promote the use of electronic health records, particularly among the youth, who often underestimate its importance. Additionally, an app for remote monitoring of diagnostic parameters has been developed, facilitating preventive and personalized health management. In cardiology, Spoke 10 completed a major screening program, conducting over a thousand tests for youth arrhythmias, promoting a culture of prevention.
Resource optimization and continuity of care pathways. To address sustainability challenges and ensure efficient healthcare, Spoke 10 has launched projects for optimizing healthcare resources. Using advanced algorithms, logistics management and personnel distribution are being improved, maximizing the efficiency of the regional and national healthcare service. Furthermore, a support unit for the implementation of the regional health record has been established, a strategic resource that simplifies care pathways and provides an integrated view of each patient’s clinical information. These innovations help Spoke 10 contribute not only to better resource management but also to more accessible and inclusive healthcare that puts people’s needs at the center.
This overview of Spoke 10 highlights THE’s commitment to translating innovation into tangible benefits for public health, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of geographic location, can access high-quality care.
