Standardizing Primary Health Care in Italy: Operational Guidelines for Community Health Houses

Abstract Background In response to Italy’s demographic changes and increasing chronic disease burden, there has been a need to standardize Primary Health Care (PHC) through Community Health Houses (CHHs). This study addresses the gap in a unified approach by developing operational guidelines using a consensus-based method among a national Experts Panel, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and integration of healthcare services across the country. Methods A multidisciplinary and multiprofessional workgroup was formed, including stakeholders from various health professions and Italian regions, to develop these guidelines that could integrate different health professional skills. The consensus process involved a series of online and face-to-face meetings, utilizing a modified Delphi method. This approach ensured that diverse expert opinions were harmonized and that the guidelines were relevant to different geographic contexts and healthcare settings. Results Through iterative rounds of consultation and revision, the workgroup reached a consensus on key aspects of PHC delivery. These included procedures, digital health tools integration and definition of various roles within the CHHs. Preliminary feedback from pilot implementations has shown improvements in accessibility, care continuity, and patient satisfaction, indicating effective adaptation of the guidelines to local contexts in line with the territorial healthcare Italian reform ratified by Ministerial Decree n. 77/2022. Conclusions The consensus-driven development of CHHs guidelines represents a significant advancement in Italy’s health policy, promoting a more integrated and efficient healthcare system. These guidelines are anticipated to form the cornerstone of Italy’s strategy to cope with its public health challenges, particularly in managing chronic diseases and aging populations. Future work will focus on national rollout and continuous improvement of these guidelines based on ongoing evaluation and feedback. Key messages • Consensus-based guidelines for Italy’s CHHs enhance PHC delivery, improving accessibility and patient satisfaction across the Country. • Italy’s new PHC guidelines, developed through expert consensus, set a foundation for a unified, efficient healthcare system to address chronic disease and aging.