The Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori "Dino Amadori" - IRST is an IRCCS (institute for hospitalisation and care of a scientific nature) dedicated to treatment, research, and training in the field of oncology. Although IRST is a subject of the Health Service in the Emilia-Romagna Region and operates following the most accredited international experiences, it adopts the "population" organisational and managerial approach, promoting a centralised coordination of oncological functions and activities with its primary focus on meeting the needs of citizens.
IRST and the AUSL of the Romagna promote a coordinated governance of oncology based on the principles of cooperation and collaboration between the nodes of the network, but the skills of the single centres and the proximity of care for all citizens are also encouraged (Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Network).
The IRST project was born from a public-private alliance between non-profit organisations. The form chosen to organise IRST was that of a limited liability company (S.r.l.) with a majority public capital (governed by Legislative Decree 175/16). This is a non-profit company with the characteristics of a Social Enterprise, including the prohibition on the distribution of profits and the obligation to invest them in carrying out the institutional activities envisaged by the mission. In 2020 IRST was legally established as a publicly controlled private law company.
Since March 2012, IRST has been recognised as an institute for hospitalisation and care of a scientific nature (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico- IRCCS) for “Advanced Therapies in Medical Oncology”. IRST’s Radiotherapy and Skin Cancer Unit are its most recent sites to gain IRCCS status (Ministry of Health Decree of 9 August 2021).
The mission of the Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori 'Dino Amadori' - IRST Srl IRCCS is to fulfill its role as a reference centre in the field of oncology and tighten the link between treatment and research, guaranteeing quality, originality, innovation, and transferability of laboratory results into clinical practice.
VISION
IRST was set up to give substance to a conviction: the fight against cancer can be won. The constant progress achieved in prevention, the effectiveness of the treatments, and the ongoing achievements of research, testify that what until a few years ago was only a faint hope, can now be a reality.
VALUES
IRST puts safety, respect for the person, and a patient-centered approach at the centre of every action and project, adhering to the principles of the National Health System: universality, equity, appropriateness, continuity of care, participation, transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
THE COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CARE AND RESEARCH NETWORK
The Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Network (CCCRN) project in Romagna was set up to form a collaboration between AUSL Romagna and IRST "Dino Amadori" IRCCS aimed at maximising the activities and the mission of the bodies involved through shared governance of the main research assets. One of the most important elements of the project was the creation of a network in which the centres could work in a synergic and integrated manner throughout the territory providing patients with an equitable, high quality and homogeneous response, dealing only with high-complexity activities and experiments, according to the distinctive vocations of the individual structures. As part of the CCCRN, IRST IRCCS will be the point of reference for the management of research activities, while logistic platforms (laboratories and technologies) will be shared to avoid unnecessary redundancies and integrate all skills. The most appropriate governance structure for the project was found to be the Bridge Board Model. In this model, the companies forming the network retain full autonomy but constitute a Bridge Board that functions as a discussion table for common problems and opportunities. This model is unique in Italy and the challenge is to make it fully operational.
In 2021 and early 2022, significant progress was made in the implementation of the CCCRN model. Specifically, an Agreement was signed between IRST "Dino Amadori" IRCCS and Azienda USL of Romagna in conformity with the project approved by the Territorial Social and Health Conference (18 December 2020) for carrying out research activities. In the Agreement (approved by the AUSL with resolution no. 314 of 16 September 2021) Dr. Oriana Nanni, the current Director of the Complex Structure Epidemiology and Biostatistics IRCCS, was appointed the person in charge of the "Single Programme for Innovation and Research AUSL Romagna-IRST". The Programme successfully concluded its experimental phase on 15 March 2022.
IRST operates on several sites whose management has been progressively extended over time. It began operations in 2007 within the facilities of the former Civil Hospital of Meldola and now has facilities at the Hospital "Morgagni-Pierantoni" of Forlì, "Bufalini" of Cesena, and "Santa Maria delle Croci" of Ravenna (Radiotherapy and Skin Cancer Unit). Thanks to strong support from local realities, particularly the Fondazione Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì, the hospitality facility, Casa Accoglienza “San Giuseppe - Antonio Branca” has been operating for patients, family members, and visitors since 2016.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
The main management/structural projects that will be implemented during 2022, and in the near future, are outlined below.
Work on the Oncology Pharmacy of Romagna, which started in June 2021, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023 with the subsequent start-up of operations.
NEW INPATIENT UNIT
In the second half of 2022, the administrative process began for the transfer of the Meldola inpatient unit to the Forlì hospital to an extension pavilion to be built with PNRR funds by 2026.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, PUBLIC POLICY
IRST opened a representative office in Brussels in 2022 to address more quickly and effectively the many opportunities offered by European announcements for proposals, establish collaborations with other research institutes, and meet international partners,
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION INITIATIVES
In the wake of the twinning between Meldola and the Bosnian town of Donji Vakuf, and thanks to the support of the Italian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, training and technological support projects will be launched with the hospital facilities of Donji Vakuf and the cantonal capital Travnik, based on the model of the active collaboration between IRST and Bugando Medical Centre (Mwanza, Tanzania).
ROMAGNA SALUTE PROJECT
IRST participates in the "Romagna Salute" integration project coordinated by the University of Bologna with AUSL Romagna. A synergy that embraces teaching, research, and assistance and involves the Region, the local authorities, and all the cities on which the Multicampus of the University of Bologna is located: Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini, each with health facilities and functions representing the specific vocations of the Romagna territories.
