Italy

Abstract

In the field of medical devices, HTA activities in Italy are conducted by the National Agency for Regional Health Services (AGENAS), while pharmaceuticals are assessed by the Italian Medicine Agency (AIFA). Italy has a regionally organised national health service, and regions are responsible for organising and delivering healthcare, while, at the national level, the Ministry of Health (MoH)—supported by specialised agencies—sets the fundamental principles and decides the core benefit package, allocating national funds to regions (Ferré et al. 2014). This chapter focuses on AGENAS activities undertaken over the past 10 years to involve patients in HTA and promote this approach across regions, including primary and secondary research and education and training of patient organisations to build capacity. It highlights the critical role played by international HTA bodies, a supportive national policy context in driving patient involvement in HTA and the importance of activities that address concerns about patient involvement among HTA professionals.