Travel Clinics, where we are and where we are going: a national survey in Italy

Background In a world where travelling can play a central role among human activities, due to the migratory flows increase and to the facilitation of exchanges between distant countries, the need to ensure healthcare to all travellers becomes a key point among healthcare activities. The aim of the study is to assess Italian Travel Clinics activity, critical issues, requirements and tips for improvement. Methods During the period from May to September, the Italian Society of Travel Medicine and Migrations (SIMVIM), performed a national on-line survey addressed to all Italian Travel Clinics. Results More than a third of Italian Travel Clinics replied the survey (79 clinics). The results show that on average for each clinic there are 4 healthcare workers (2 physicians, 1 nurse and 1 health worker), about 10 hours/week are dedicated to the clinic, the users are 18 and the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) are 17%. In only 25% of cases the clinic is open access and in 80% there is a digital immunization registry. More than 70% of the healthcare workers have the last update in the two-year period of 2017/2018. Major critical issues are shortage of staff, limited opportunities to update, absence of a dedicated software, expensive vaccinations particularly for VFR, reduced visibility of the clinic and difficulties in accessing, Travel Clinics not sufficiently integrated into the National Health System. Conclusions Italian Travel Clinics are carring out a good service to ensure healthcare to the greatest number of travellers, but there is extensive room of improvement. Key messages We should create a network where Travel Clinics work together with General Practitioners, Pediatricians, other Specialists, Pharmacists, travel agents and above all with stakeholders. In this way Travel Clinics can involve an increasing number of travellers through an active offer of vaccinations and a careful risk assessment based on professional skills and expert knowledge.