Research for optimization in organ donation in a macro-area after federal reform of the Italian health system

Law number 91, dated April 1, 1999, established an organizational model for the activities of donation, retrieval, and transplantation of organs consisting of 4 levels: national, interregional, regional, and local. After 12 years this organizational project, called the "National Transplant Network," has reached an excellent level of effectiveness and efficiency. Since 2001 regional administrative districts have been entrusted increasingly with responsibilities concerning health. In 2008 health federalism was approved and in 2010 the federal health fiscal system entered in force. In a country with a federal organization, where regional districts are completely autonomous, is there a reason to still have a national transplant center and 3 interregional transplantation centers? We have developed a hypothesis on the function of Interregional Transplant Centers (CIR). The risk of federalism is the fragmentation of the National Healthcare System. To adequately meet the needs of citizens, smaller regions should sign agreements with larger regions regarding transplantation programs that require a large pool of donors whereas they could retain management of patients during the presurgery and postsurgery phases. The CIR should be committed to increase organ donation, to establish shared protocols and procedures, to disseminate knowledge, and to ensure equal access to health care. In conclusion, the adoption of health and fiscal federalism provides an opportunity to build healthcare systems to optimize resources. The network model should be kept but it is necessary to overcome localism and create positive federalism. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.