ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In Italy, a recent national project has expanded local collaboration between colorectal (CRC) screening programmes and pharmacies to the national level. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the existing agreements between regional authorities and pharmacy owners in Italy regarding CRC screening programmes, to make internationally available the most qualifying elements of the collaboration. METHODS: We analyzed the agreements, in force on 01/08/2021, arranged between the Regions and their respective pharmacy owners, describing the process phases addressed such as the faecal occult blood test pathway and supplementary activities provided by the pharmacies together with the CRC screening kit delivery. RESULTS: Agreements were received from 18 Regions (86% of the total). The amount of money paid for each kit varies a lot, with a range from 0 to 18 EUR. The number of process phases covered by the agreements ranged from a maximum of 16 (out of 18) to a minimum of 0. The processes most frequently covered were the supply/delivery of kits and education/awareness of CRC screening (68.8%). Less covered processes were warehouse management and awareness of other healthcare initiatives (12.5%), and delivery of preparation for intestinal cleansing (6.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Arrangements between pharmacies and CRC screening programmes in Italy vary widely and lack a unified model. Collaboration quality standards should be set at the national/international level.
ABSTRACT
A ten years retrospective study was carried out among the personnel of Padua Hospital to determine the rate of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. 4738 injuries occurred between 1990 and 1999: 78% were percutaneous injuries 22% blood contacts. No case of operating room transmission of blood-borne infection was documented but it is clear that the risk is not zero and the number of injuries indicate the need for further training and reinforcement of universal precautions to reduce occupational exposures.
