Italy COPD Index
Rank
(out of 24 countries)
7
Index Score
(out of 100)
67.7
Deaths
(as a % of overall deaths)
4.09%
Smoking Rate
23.1%
Societal Costs
(cost per person)
$441
Above average performance
Average performance
Below average performance
Italy scores very high in Health System Characteristics, mainly due to a low number of annual COPD hospitalisations, a high number of respiratory specialists and good health data reporting. Italy would benefit from slightly more primary care physicians.
Italy scores very high in Health System Characteristics, mainly due to a low number of annual COPD hospitalisations, a high number of respiratory specialists and good health data reporting. Italy would benefit from slightly more primary care physicians. For Policy Context Italy scores relatively high, mainly due to a highly implemented COPD strategy, and relatively strong guidelines and adherence. Italy’s score for Access and Care Coverage is slightly above the average, with relatively good treatment, drug access, and conditions for diagnosis, with some improvements needed in care referral pathways. Italy’s Environmental Factors score is just above average while its Disease Burden is above average, due to a relatively high death rate and COPD prevalence, although relatively low societal cost. Italy’s disease burden can be partly explained by improvements needed in care referral pathways and primary care physicians’ density.
COPD Index Key Takeaways
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following takeaways regarding COPD care in Italy.
2nd highest performer in Health System Characteristics with low hospitalisation rate for COPD
Well implemented COPD strategy indicating alignment between policy and practice
Above average COPD death rate
Best Practices for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following best practices regarding COPD care in Italy.
Advanced diagnostic protocols (i.e. standardised spirometry) supported by guidelines from the Italian Society of Pulmonology (SIP)
Promotion of integrated care and a multidisciplinary approach to COPD
Challenges for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following challenges regarding COPD care in Italy.
Lack of case-finding among physicians
Inadequate COPD awareness and prevention despite plans and guidelines
Lack of integrated care and treatment adherence
Opportunities for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following opportunities regarding COPD care in Italy.
Innovative drugs (new anti-inflammatory drugs, triple therapy)
Prevention of cardiovascular events as critical comorbidities
Public health campaigns to raise awareness
Priorities for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following priorities regarding COPD care in Italy.
Increase public awareness and education
Address geographic disparities in health care access
Address lack of standardised clinical follow-up, long waiting times, and delayed diagnosis
Compare Italy to other countries
Select different countries to see how they scored across each of the 5 categories and overall
Key Contributor Insights
“[A strong country practice is] Advanced Diagnostic Protocols in particular the use of spirometry is standardised and widespread, supported by guidelines from the Italian Society of Pulmonology (SIP). This should ensure early and accurate diagnosis of COPD across the country.”
“Italy promotes integrated care models and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, providing a multidisciplinary approach to COPD management.”
“The path ahead remains long, and there is significant room for improvement.”
Sources
You can view the data sources for this country HERE