Health professions as strategic resources for community health: An innovative project proposal in an Italian Local Health Unit
Keywords:
Primary Health Care; Public Health Workforce; Community Prevention; Health Governance; Digital Health; Interprofessional CollaborationAbstract
Background: After COVID-19, Primary Health Care (PHC) has become essential for health system resilience. Despite investments from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the use of epidemiological evidence in interprofessional PHC programmes remains limited. This study examines population health needs in the Toscana Centro Local Health Unit and proposes a governance model integrating epidemiological intelligence, interprofessional collaboration, and PHC.
Methods: The study used a two-phase design. Phase 1 consisted of a descriptive analysis of institutional epidemiological indicators (2019–2024) for contextual needs assessment. Phase 2 involved the co-design of a scalable Primary Health Care (PHC) model supported by the Council of Health Professions and the DRIADE digital platform, with targeted planning in the mountain municipality of San Marcello Piteglio.
Results: A substantial burden of non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyles emerged, together with environmental pressures exceeding WHO thresholds—especially for NO₂ and O₃—and geographic disparities affecting rural and mountain areas. The proposed model integrates an interprofessional governance structure, continuous monitoring of health determinants, digital tracking of preventive and educational activities through DRIADE, and community-based interventions co-developed with local services and third-sector partners.
Discussion: The model supports the transition from primary medical care to PHC by linking epidemiological evidence with coordinated interprofessional strategies. It addresses challenges related to workforce variability, territorial fragmentation, and gaps in indicator availability.
Conclusions: An interprofessional PHC model grounded in epidemiological surveillance and digital integration may strengthen prevention, enhance health literacy, and improve citizen engagement, demonstrating feasibility in vulnerable territorial settings.
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