title: [Implementation of Italian guidelines on public health genomics in Italy: a challenging policy of the NHS].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Genomics and related fields are becoming increasingly relevant in health care practice. Italy is the first European country that has a structured policy of Public Health Genomics. Nevertheless, what should be the role of genomics in a public health perspective and how public health professionals should engage with advances in genomics' knowledge and technology, is still not entirely clear.
  
  
  METHODS
  A description of the regulatory framework made-up by the Italian government in the last years is provided. In order to implement the national guidelines on Public Health Genomics published in 2013, key issues including the ethical, legal and social aspects within an evidence-based framework should be warranted and are herewith discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genomics and predictive medicine are considered one of the main intervention areas by the National Prevention Plan 2010-2012, and dedicated guidelines were published in 2013. In order to implement such guidelines, we envisage a coordinated effort between stakeholders to guide development in genomic medicine, towards an impact on population health. There is also room to implement knowledge on how genomics can be integrated into health systems in an appropriate and sustainable way. Learning programs are needed to spread knowledge and awareness of genomics technology, in particular on genomic testing for complex diseases.
authors.affiliation: Sezione di igiene, Istituto di sanità pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. stefania.boccia@ebph.it.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boccia
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Federici
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Colotto
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Villari
mesh_terms: D005817:Genetic Counseling; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D010597:Pharmacogenetics; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011634:Public Health / Q000592:standards*; D012941:Social Responsibility