Data di Pubblicazione:
2026
Abstract:
Background: Pediatric allergology and immunology has expanded markedly
over recent decades, paralleling the rising prevalence of allergic diseases.
National data on the availability and organization of dedicated services in
Italy are lacking. This project aimed to provide the first nationwide mapping
of Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP)-affiliated
pediatric allergology and immunology structures, describing their
geographical distribution and main organizational features of service delivery
Methods: Between 2023 and 2025, a structured nationwide mapping was
conducted by regional SIAIP representatives. Data referred to the years
2024–2025 and included geographic location, weekly clinical activity, patient
contact modalities (telephone and e-mail), and availability of digital services
such as telemedicine. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and
reported as frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 188 pediatric allergology and immunology territorial
structures were identified across Italy. Their distribution was uneven: 86
were located in Northern Italy (45.7%), 42 in Central Italy (22.3%), and 60 in Southern Italy and the Islands (31.9%), highlighting marked regional
heterogeneity. Clinical activity was frequently limited, with many structures
operating only one to two days per week. Communication pathways were
variable and often restricted to scheduled hours or mediated by booking
services. Direct clinician contact was inconsistently available. Telemedicine
and digital follow-up services were rarely implemented, indicating limited
integration of remote care in routine practice.
Conclusions: The Italian pediatric allergology network shows important
structural limitations, including regional disparities, reduced service
availability, and minimal integration of telemedicine. These findings provide
a framework for healthcare planning and underline the urgency of
strengthening workforce organization, service capacity, and digital health
implementation
over recent decades, paralleling the rising prevalence of allergic diseases.
National data on the availability and organization of dedicated services in
Italy are lacking. This project aimed to provide the first nationwide mapping
of Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP)-affiliated
pediatric allergology and immunology structures, describing their
geographical distribution and main organizational features of service delivery
Methods: Between 2023 and 2025, a structured nationwide mapping was
conducted by regional SIAIP representatives. Data referred to the years
2024–2025 and included geographic location, weekly clinical activity, patient
contact modalities (telephone and e-mail), and availability of digital services
such as telemedicine. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and
reported as frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 188 pediatric allergology and immunology territorial
structures were identified across Italy. Their distribution was uneven: 86
were located in Northern Italy (45.7%), 42 in Central Italy (22.3%), and 60 in Southern Italy and the Islands (31.9%), highlighting marked regional
heterogeneity. Clinical activity was frequently limited, with many structures
operating only one to two days per week. Communication pathways were
variable and often restricted to scheduled hours or mediated by booking
services. Direct clinician contact was inconsistently available. Telemedicine
and digital follow-up services were rarely implemented, indicating limited
integration of remote care in routine practice.
Conclusions: The Italian pediatric allergology network shows important
structural limitations, including regional disparities, reduced service
availability, and minimal integration of telemedicine. These findings provide
a framework for healthcare planning and underline the urgency of
strengthening workforce organization, service capacity, and digital health
implementation
Tipologia CRIS:
14.a.1 Articolo su rivista
Keywords:
Asthma; Atopic diseases; Delivery of health care; Health care disparities; Health services accessibility; Immunology; Italy; Pediatric allergy; Surveys and questionnaires; Telemedicine
Elenco autori:
Dinardo, Giulio; Giovannini, Mattia; Galletta, Francesca; Klain, Angela; Filippo, Maria De; Indolfi, Cristiana; Marseglia, Gian Luigi; Del Giudice, Michele Miraglia; Manti, Sara
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