Implementation of Italian guidelines on public health genomics in Italy: a challenging policy of the NHS (Review) [Le policy di genomica in sanità pubblica in Italia: le sfide nella implementazione delle linee guida nel sistema sanitario nazionale]

Abstract BACKGROUND: Genomics and related fields are becoming increasingly relevant in health care practice. Italy is the first European country that has a structured policy of Public Health Genomics. Nevertheless, what should be the role of genomics in a public health perspective and how public health professionals should engage with advances in genomics' knowledge and technology, is still not entirely clear. METHODS: A description of the regulatory framework made-up by the Italian government in the last years is provided. In order to implement the national guidelines on Public Health Genomics published in 2013, key issues including the ethical, legal and social aspects within an evidence-based framework should be warranted and are herewith discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Genomics and predictive medicine are considered one of the main intervention areas by the National Prevention Plan 2010-2012, and dedicated guidelines were published in 2013. In order to implement such guidelines, we envis