ANCONA – The University Hospital of Marche has initiated the launch of its groundbreaking 'Palliative Care Team', becoming the first of its kind in Italy to address the pressing needs of terminal patients who require nuanced care between hospital settings and hospice facilities. Spearheaded by Dr. Umberto Maria Ripani, head of the Pain Medicine department, the project aims to fill the widening gap for terminal patients needing specialized assistance, thereby enhancing their quality of life and providing much-needed support to their families.
Dr. Ripani emphasized, "The benefits arising from the birth of this Team will be for the health care providers themselves, doctors and nurses. They will be able to follow and treat clinical cases previously left unattended until the patients could be transferred to hospices or other treatment settings." With approximately 1,000 patients treated each year at the hospital—70% of whom suffer from oncological conditions—this initiative is seen as both timely and necessary.
The current challenges within palliative care systems are significant. With nearly 400 new cases being processed yearly, the hospital has recognized the urgency of adopting multifaceted strategies to meet the increasing demand for high-quality care. Each patient stays, on average, three months, leading to substantial emotional and logistical strain on both healthcare facilities and families. This initiative seeks to absorb this pressure through integrated care approaches.
Gian Luca Gregori, Rector of the University of Marche, praised the interdisciplinary collaboration between the university and hospital, stating, "This multidisciplinary approach is central and confirms the goodness of the integration between hospital and academic demands." Laying out the future of palliative care training, he noted how the specialization programs had expanded significantly during his tenure. "Specializations increased from 33 to 41, and registrations rose from 600 to over 900," he added.
Another prominent figure supporting this initiative is Armando Marco Gozzini, Director of the AOU delle Marche, who noted, "This project allows for the elevation of care levels," highlighting the urgent need for such advancements. By leveraging shared expertise, the 'Palliative Care Team' hopes to create a new benchmark for care services. The contributions from community members have also been pivotal for realizing this mission.
One tangible act of support came from Salvatore Giordano, who donated five tablets to assist the 'Palliative Care Team'. An inspiring figure himself, Giordano shared his personal battles with pain and the impactful treatments he received from Dr. Ripani and his team. "I was tormented by pain, and thanks to the care I received... I saw the amount to donate was manageable and I didn't think twice," stated Giordano, reflecting his commitment to positively influencing the system from the recipient’s perspective.
Meanwhile, the Croce Gialla of Ancona celebrated the 67th birthday of long-time volunteer Enrico Amici, who has dedicated himself to aiding emergency health services since the 1970s. Amici's remarkable service record of over 5,124 emergency calls and nearly 66,000 kilometers driven for the charity exemplifies the spirit of community engagement and care. Although he’s reached the age where driving ambulances is no longer permitted, Amici plans to continue volunteering within the association.
The commitment of volunteers like Amici reveals the lifeblood of healthcare frameworks. Simone Pizzi, head of pediatric palliative care, extended the conversation around the necessity to engage people socially with the quote, "It is necessary to work and convince socially of the value of the project for the structuring of new palliative care services." The successful integration of hospital resources, community goodwill, and rigorous training is expected to fortify Ancona’s approach to caring for its most vulnerable patients.
Establishing such teams not only signifies bold steps forward in addressing urgent healthcare needs, but it also reinforces the importance of public engagement during challenging times. The collective efforts within Ancona stand as exemplary of how dedicated leadership and compassionate action can shape improved outcomes for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring they receive the dignified care they deserve.