Frontiers in Medicine (Jun 2022)

Road Toward a New Model of Care for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in the Lazio Region

  • Rossella Di Bidino,
  • Paola Rogliani,
  • Alfredo Sebastiani,
  • Alberto Ricci,
  • Francesco Varone,
  • Giacomo Sgalla,
  • Bruno Iovene,
  • Teresa Bruni,
  • Maria Chiara Flore,
  • Michela D'Ascanio,
  • Francesco Cavalli,
  • Daniela Savi,
  • Loreta Di Michele,
  • Americo Cicchetti,
  • Luca Richeldi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.861076
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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A timely, confirmed diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) has a significant impact on the evolution of the disease. The current model of care in the Lazio region (in Italy) was assessed on the basis of real-world data provided by the four reference centers responsible for diagnosing and treating IPF. The 5-year, population-based, retrospective longitudinal study provided the data that is at the basis of the current proposal for a new clinical and therapeutic pathway (DTCP) and has been shared with regional decision makers. A DTCP must be defined and based on four pillars: GPs, pulmonologists, IPF centers, and telemedicine. Each must play a role within a sort of hub-and-spoke model. IPF centers remain the hubs, while spokes are identified in trained GPs and pulmonologists.

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