Regional Health Systems and non-conventional medicine: The situation in Italy

In Italy the different regional healthcare models are structured, in order to provide both a single theoretical framework and to enable direct comparisons. In this paper we examine whether and how the regional healthcare systems include alternative medicines and, if so, whether this can be specifically attributed to the different organisational models in place. This analysis will be preceded by a framework to show how in Italy there is a constant and continuous increase in non-conventional medicine (NCM), determined from a research by citizens of a person-centred medicine and preventive. We shall examine how NCM has been incorporated in the National Health System (SSN) in Italy, from the time the Regional Health Systems were set up, and the factors that have contributed to their inclusion or exclusion. After a brief synopsis of the process of growth, distribution and recognition of NCM in Italy, we shall describe how it has been incorporated and consolidated in the regional healthcare systems. © 2011 European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine