Prevention and chronic conditions: a model in Liguria combines health and sustainability

As Massimo Nicolò, the Liguria Region’s Councillor for Health, pointed out, the results of the Genesis project demonstrate that ‘investing in prevention, early intervention and integration between hospitals and the local community is not merely a healthcare decision, but a public policy decision. In a region such as Liguria, which has the highest ageing index in the country, the rise in chronic conditions is one of the main challenges for the future of our healthcare system. As the Liguria Region, we continue to invest in prevention, organisational innovation, telemedicine and multidisciplinary care, strengthening the local network and making the most of data to guide strategic decisions. The healthcare system of the future must be increasingly capable of anticipating needs, rather than merely responding once illness has manifested itself. This is the direction we are pursuing to ensure that citizens receive high-quality and increasingly accessible care.”

The slowdown in growth observed since the programme was launched suggests that preventive measures and management strategies may help to alter the epidemiological trends of chronic diseases.

From a methodological perspective, it is worth emphasising that Genesis is an observational study based on the analysis of administrative data. Administrative data are a key tool for capturing the reality of clinical practice across different healthcare settings. Although they have the limitations inherent in observational studies, they help to inform healthcare decision-making, steering it towards interventions that deliver high value for citizens and the system.

The economic results are also significant: taking into account the effects of inflation and an ageing population, the programme has been associated with a substantial stabilisation of healthcare costs and, for certain components, a reduction in expenditure. Prevention is often perceived as an additional cost, whilst the data suggest that it may represent an investment. Delaying the onset or progression of chronic conditions means reducing hospital admissions, complications and the use of healthcare resources.

The Genesis project therefore serves as a concrete example of how a proactive approach, based on prevention and continuity of care, can help to improve the management of chronic conditions and generate value for the healthcare system and the community.

* Complex Unit for Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, ATS Liguria Area 3, Genoa
** Complex Unit for Internal Medicine 1, AOM Liguria, Genoa
*** Budget and Accounts Unit, ATS Liguria Area 3, Genoa