Interregional Patient Mobility in the Italian NHS: A Case of Badly-Managed Decentralization: Comment on "Regional Incentives and Patient Cross-Border Mobility: Evidence From the Italian Experience"

Open Access

Abstract

The article by Brenna and Spandonaro on interregional mobility for acute hospital care in Italy raises important issues concerning social and territorial equity in a healthcare system. Based on Regions and private providers' strategic behavior, the hypothesis adopted to explain patient cross-border mobility (CBM), demonstrated by statistical analysis, may be further explored using qualitative methods. In order to reduce CBM, the central government needs to play a more active role in coordination, even in a highly decentralized National Health Service (NHS).