Following transmission of HIV to three blood recipients in the Tuscany Region (Florence) in 2007, the Italian health authorities requested the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe to undertake a review of the Italian programmes for organ and tissue transplantation. Subsequent to this request and in collaboration with the World Health Organization Headquarters dedicated programme, an international expert in the person of Professor Jay Fishman was identified to carry out and report on this review. During his 4-day mission 17 to 21 December 2007 three sites were visited (CNT Rome, interregional centre Bologna and regional centre Florence), and the current guidelines and overall organization of the system were studied.
As for many transplantation services, certain problems have emerged as a result of an increase in the number of centres performing organ transplants and in the number and success of organ and tissue transplantation. The national centralization of the transplant system was a great advance for the process of improving organ transplantation in Italy. Many individuals highly expert and committed to the well being of transplant recipients distinguish the system. In terms of the assurance of safety of organs and tissues, a number of observations o human resources, safety and quality have been performed. Given the risk of disease transmission and the susceptibility of the recipients to invasive infection, organ transplantation must be used to set minimal standards for many aspects of the safety of the system. However, suggestions may also be considered in light of future development of the system for tissue implantation.
As a result of the survey WHO stated that all of the people interviewed were highly professional and committed to the success of organ and tissue transplantation throughout Italy. Development of a centralized system for the nation (CNT) was a great advance for the process of improvement of organ transplantation in Italy. There is a natural reticence to have a national authority set standards for the local practice of medicine and, because of the nature of the evolution of the system in various regions, strengths and weaknesses differ between transplant centers, regions and interregional organizations.
Reference: taken from the original WHO survey document published January 2008.
Erica Villa
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