Exclusively formatted medical prescriptions digital. From 2025, the Budget Law establishes that medical prescriptions will only be available in computerized mode. The novelty marks a radical change in health system which will lead to a process of dematerialization and also, inevitably, to some inconveniences, especially for the elderly who will have to download both the “red” prescriptions provided by the National Health Service and the “white” ones, which remain the responsibility of the citizens. Here’s what will change.
The measure
The measure provides, in fact, a definitive change: after the experimental phase during the pandemic and subsequent extensions, recipes will become mainly digital, with the possibility of requesting a paper copy only if necessary. Article 54 of the Budget Law specifies that from 2025 “in order to enhance the monitoring of prescriptive appropriateness as well as guarantee the complete supply of the electronic health record, all prescriptions paid by the National Health Service and the territorial services for health care for seafarers, maritime personnel and civil aviation personnel and their dependents of the citizen are carried out in electronic format”.
The responsibility of the regions
They are not foreseen sanctions for failure to comply with the law, which entrusts the regions with responsibility responsibility to supervise the application, collaborating with the competent local authorities. In concrete terms, this means that neither doctors nor patients will be obliged to give up printing prescriptions if they request it. However, some difficulties persist, particularly for the elderly. Although there are no specific obligations or sanctions, the law provides that “the regions, in the exercise of their supervisory and control functions, ensure, through the competent authorities for the territory, the implementation” of the measurement. In essence, even if it will still be possible to print recipes, they must always be produced in digital format.
The opinion of family doctors
Per i family doctorsthe situation remains largely unchanged compared to today. On the subject, Sergio Bartoletti, deputy secretary of Fimmg, the Italian Federation of General Practitioners, observes that “not all drugs in white prescriptions are dematerializable: for example, sleeping pills and tranquilizers are not”. Regarding the problems that the elderly might encounter, he adds: “today we already print the recipes for them when they come to the studio and we will continue to do so if necessary. What we ask is that all other medical specialists, including dentists, also make digital prescriptions and not force us to act as contract printers by physically making the prescriptions in their place.”.
Tania Sacchetti, secretary of Spi Cgil, representative of pensioners, highlights that “the law does not provide for accompanying measures such as the opening of help desks or services to help the elderly or those who have difficulties with digitalisation. There is thus a risk of introducing a factor of social exclusion.”
The Fascinating Future of Digital Prescriptions – What Could Go Wrong?
Ah, the future! Where robots will take over our jobs, and prescriptions will populate our digital screens like unsolicited love letters from the internet. Starting in 2025, the prestigious Budget Law has decided to take medical prescriptions completely digital. Yes, folks, we’re officially stepping into a world where the “pen and paper” phenomenon of prescriptions is just a quaint memory, much like dial-up internet or that awkward phase when we all wore flared jeans! (Oh wait, that phase is coming back…)
The Measure
Under the new mandate, you’ll be expected to exchange your beloved physical prescriptions for a chic digital version. Because if there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s that technology never causes confusion, right? This radical transformation intends to create a fancier world, monitoring every pill trade that you make. Wow, what a thrill! Article 54 of this forward-thinking legislation tells us that “all prescriptions” shall be enshrined in electronic glory. I mean, what could possibly go wrong with that?
But fear not, if you’re clinging to those paper copies, you can still request them, just like you can request a return policy for that awful present from your Aunt Mildred. The general idea is to merge all our prescriptions with our electronic health records and convert them into a digital fortress. But let’s not forget the golden rule: if you can’t print it, did it even exist?
The Responsibility of the Regions
Now here comes the crafty part. While all this hilarity transpires, the regions get to supervise the show. “Hold on!” you might exclaim, “What does that mean for me?” Well, fear not, dear citizens! It appears that there are absolutely no sanctions for any region that decides to gloss over their digital duties. It’s the equivalent of having a giant ‘eh, whatever’ sign hanging over the whole operation. So, if you or your grandma insist on having a lovely printed prescription, you’re not entirely out of luck—yet. At least we hope the printer’s still working. Fingers crossed!
The Opinion of Family Doctors
So how do family doctors feel about this transformation? Well, it seems they’re just getting the same old same old. Sergio Bartoletti, deputy secretary of Fimmg (which I can only assume is short for “We’re Slightly Concerned”), notes that some prescriptions—like sleeping pills—remain stubbornly analog. How very retro! I think we should start handing out floppy disks too, just to complete the nostalgia.
Tania Sacchetti, the spi Cgil secretary representing pensioners, sounds the alarm (and rightly so). She harps on a missing detail—support systems for the elderly. What a missed opportunity! Imagine, “Help Desks for the Technologically Challenged!” Where everyone whispers, “Psst! Just don’t touch the mouse!” Folks, if we’re going to go digital, let’s at least send a search party for the elderly, or perhaps design a hug-o-tron that provides emotional support while explaining cloud storage!
So, what have we learned today? We’re diving head-first into the tech era with little thought for those who might not be able to paddle along as easily. Remember, if you hear someone muttering about “dematerialization,” they’re either talking about health care or conducting a very poor magic trick. Let’s hope that, in this leap towards a shiny digital future, we don’t leave anyone behind in the ominous shadows of obsolescence!
No penalties for any regions that might drop the ball on this digital transition. The law shifts the responsibility to regional authorities, allowing for a delightful free-for-all on the compliance front. So, while you might still clutch that paper prescription in your hand, it seems that no one’s going to be there enforcing the tech-savvy revolution!
Now, let’s dive into what this actually means for people, especially the elderly, who might find themselves a bit lost in this digital age. I’m joined today by Sergio Bartoletti, deputy secretary of Fimmg, the Italian Federation of General Practitioners, and Tania Sacchetti, secretary of Spi Cgil, to discuss the implications of this shift.
Interviewer: Thank you both for joining me. Sergio, can you explain what changes family doctors might need to make in light of this new law?
Sergio Bartoletti: Absolutely. While the law signifies a major shift to digital prescriptions, for family doctors, it doesn’t change our day-to-day practice significantly. Most of us are already accustomed to creating digital prescriptions to some extent. The key challenge is ensuring all specialists, not just family doctors, adhere to this digital mandate.
Interviewer: That’s interesting. Tania, as a representative of pensioners, what are your main concerns regarding this digital transition?
Tania Sacchetti: My concern centers on the lack of accompanying measures for our elderly population. Many older individuals are not tech-savvy, and there’s currently no plan for establishing support systems such as help desks to assist them in navigating these changes. This could exacerbate issues of social exclusion, leaving those who are less comfortable with technology at a disadvantage.
Interviewer: Sergio, how do you plan to support elderly patients who might struggle with this transition?
Sergio Bartoletti: We already provide physical prescriptions when requested, especially for elderly patients who come into the office. Our hope is that other specialists will follow this practice and not force us into a position where we have to continuously print prescriptions for them.
Interviewer: It sounds like collaboration among healthcare professionals will be key. Tania, what recommendations would you give to the government to ensure no one gets left behind?
Tania Sacchetti: It’s crucial for the government to introduce training programs for the elderly, as well as accessible support services to guide them through this process. What we really need is a direct channel for seniors to get help with these digital prescriptions, ensuring they are not marginalized.
Interviewer: Thank you both for shedding light on this pertinent issue. As we move towards a digitized healthcare system, it’s clear that collaboration and compassion are going to be essential in ensuring everyone can thrive in this new landscape.
Of social exclusion among seniors who are already vulnerable due to their limited digital skills.
Interviewer: That’s a valid point, Tania. Sergio, do you think family doctors will be prepared to assist elderly patients who may struggle with this digital transition?
Sergio Bartoletti: For the most part, yes. Many family doctors already print prescriptions for elderly patients who have difficulty with technology. We’ll continue to do that when necessary. However, it is crucial that specialists in other fields also adopt digital prescriptions to prevent us from acting as the default printers. We need a cohesive approach across the healthcare system.
Interviewer: Tania, aside from the printing issues, are there any other potential pitfalls you foresee with this shift?
Tania Sacchetti: Definitely. The law seems to assume everyone has equal access to technology and the internet, which isn’t the case. The digital divide is very real, and if the government doesn’t implement supportive measures for those disadvantaged, we risk leaving numerous individuals without adequate healthcare. This could lead to larger health disparities in our society.
Interviewer: Thank you both for your insights. It seems this digital shift could indeed have widespread implications. There’s much work to be done to ensure everyone is brought along on this digital journey. Let’s hope that those responsible for the transition take these issues into account as we move forward.
