From professional appeal to professional standard
Reframing the Italian rehabilitation workforce through evidence, regulation, and global alignment
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22072088 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Marco Tofani (0000-0003-2071-4513, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, corresponding author), Maria Ramiro-Gonzalez (Centerforce), Diego Poddighe (0000-0003-0428-3338, KU Leuven), Justine Gosling (0000-0001-6984-2220, University of Derby), Federico Pennestrì (0000-0001-9969-9955, Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi), Antonella Cerchiari (0009-0004-9324-2646, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital), Louise Puli (0000-0002-1866-0088, Center for Independent Living), Carlotte Kiekens (0000-0001-8500-7751, Istituto Clinico Sant'Ambrogio) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1797084-1797084 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-04 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1797084 |
| PMID | 42158202 |
| OpenAlex | W7160097861 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 47 |
Background: Italy's rehabilitation workforce is fragmented and regulated by outdated decrees, limiting alignment with WHO and EU standards, and hindering efficiency, equity, and international comparability. Methodology: Narrative policy and health systems analysis, with comparative review of selected European models, based on secondary data and illustrative comparators. Policy issue: Workforce planning relies on historical professional categories and regional variability rather than population functioning needs and evidence-based competencies. Evidence: WHO Rehabilitation 2030 tools and European comparators show that coherent regulation, competency-based education, and need-driven planning improve service access, quality, and sustainability. Policy options: Align professional profiles with international standards; clarify scopes of practice; strengthen interprofessional education; integrate workforce planning with functioning and epidemiological data. Implications: Reform offers a strategic opportunity to reduce disparities, enhance system performance, and align Italy with global standards
Appeal · Cognitive reframing · Population · Population health · Workforce · Workforce development · Workforce planning · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Disability Education and Employment · Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rehabilitation · Rehabilitation
| Highly cited | No |
|---|