Abstract
Background. Complementary Medicine (CM) is being increasingly used by European citizens in order to increase their overall health state and wellbeing, as well as to treat various illnesses and diseases. Aim. Describe the pathway and results of the integration process of complementary medicines in the public healthcare service of the Region of Tuscany (Italy) lasting more than 20 years. Methods. The Regional Healthcare Programs (RHPs) of Tuscany (Italy) have started to incorporate several types of CM treatments (i.e., acupuncture, herbal medicine and homeopathy) in 1996, as described in their specific chapter. This represents the highest degree of integration of such therapies in the Public Healthcare system in Italy. Results. Furthermore, the Region of Tuscany decided to include CM in the Essential Levels of Assistance (ELA/LEA) in 2005. Accordingly, a network of 107 public clinics providing CM health services was built (updated to December 2017), and the relative regulations (i.e., laws, bills, resolutions, etc.) were approved by the Regional Authorities. Conclusion The Tuscan experience has demonstrated the feasibility and the positive consequences of CM integration into the Public Healthcare Service.
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