Why And Works
Ferrara & Milan Hospitals Win Award for Leukemia Care Model
Table of Contents
- Ferrara & Milan Hospitals Win Award for Leukemia Care Model
- Ferrara & milan Hospitals’ Award-winning leukemia Care Model: A Q&A
- What is the ‘Cracking cancer Award’ adn why did this project win?
- What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
- What is the ’Lia’ project and what does it aim to do?
- Who were involved in the ‘lia’ project’s advancement and implementation?
- What were the key outcomes and benefits of the ‘Lia’ project?
- How does ‘Lia’ improve patient care and experiences?
- What is the financial impact of AML treatment on patients’ families?
- who were the key figures involved in receiving the award?
- What is the core philosophy behind the ‘Lia’ project?
- How does the ‘Lia’ project redefine existing care pathways?
- What is the future plan for the ‘Lia’ project?
- Can you summarize the key benefits of the ’Lia’ project in a table?
FERRARA, Italy (AP) — A new health care model developed jointly by Aou Sant’anna Hospital of Ferrara and Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan has been awarded the ‘Cracking cancer Award’ for its innovative approach to treating acute myeloid leukemia. The model aims to reduce costs, decrease hospital bed usage, and improve patient care, potentially saving up to 17 million euros annually.
‘Lia’ Project Recognized
The ‘Lia – Value Based Healthcare project for acute myeloid leukemia’ secured first place at the Cracking Cancer Forum 2025.The award acknowledges the project’s success in transforming the management of acute myeloid leukemia in Italy, delivering tangible benefits for patients, caregivers, and the overall health system.
Matteo Della Porta, a professor of oncohematology at Humanitas University Hospital in Milan; Maria Rosaria Natale, CEO of Healthcare Consultancy Your business Partner; and Felice Bombaci, national coordinator of patient groups AIL, accepted the award.
Project Details and Outcomes
The project, supported by Otsuka, was conducted from June to December 2024 at the two hospitals. ‘Lia’ introduced a value Based Healthcare model for acute myeloid leukemia,a rare and aggressive cancer affecting approximately 2,100 individuals in Italy each year,particularly the elderly.
The integrated approach involved 18 clinicians and over 100 patients and caregivers. It redefined existing care pathways to enhance effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability. Analyses indicate the new model could reduce day hospital costs by 50% and decrease hospital bed occupancy by 20%, potentially saving the national health service an estimated 17.2 million euros annually.
the ‘Lia’ project also highlighted the financial strain on families, with patients incurring average costs exceeding 12,000 euros in the first year of treatment, frequently enough covered through savings or loans.
“The core of the project was actively listening to those involved.”
Semi-structured interviews, needs analyses, and co-design workshops were used to understand the experiences and priorities of patients and caregivers.
“The result is a model of care connected with the territory, more streamlined, more accessible, and more efficient.”
Future Expansion
The project aims to expand ‘lia’ nationally, analyzing regional risks to adapt the model to different contexts while maintaining safety and continuity of care.This expansion will require the involvement of public decision-makers and key opinion leaders to promote adoption across various regions.
Ferrara & milan Hospitals’ Award-winning leukemia Care Model: A Q&A
What is the ‘Cracking cancer Award’ adn why did this project win?
The ‘Cracking Cancer Award’ recognizes innovative approaches in cancer care. The ‘Lia – Value Based Healthcare project for acute myeloid leukemia,’ developed by Aou Sant’anna Hospital of Ferrara and Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan, won first place at the Cracking Cancer Forum 2025.The award acknowledged its success in improving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) management in Italy.
What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. In Italy,it affects approximately 2,100 individuals each year,particularly the elderly.
What is the ’Lia’ project and what does it aim to do?
‘Lia’ is a Value-Based Healthcare model designed to improve the treatment and reduce the cost associated with AML. the model seeks to:
Enhance patient care.
Reduce costs.
decrease hospital bed usage.
Make care more accessible and efficient
Who were involved in the ‘lia’ project’s advancement and implementation?
The ‘Lia’ project brought together:
18 clinicians
Over 100 patients and their caregivers
This integrated approach was key to redefining care pathways.
What were the key outcomes and benefits of the ‘Lia’ project?
the ‘Lia’ project achieved significant improvements:
Reduced Day Hospital Costs: By 50%
Decreased Hospital Bed Occupancy: By 20%
Potential Annual Savings for the National Health Service: Estimated at 17.2 million euros.
How does ‘Lia’ improve patient care and experiences?
The project put patients and caregivers at the center. By listening and understanding their experiences, a more streamlined, accessible, and efficient model of care was created. Methods used included:
Semi-structured interviews
Needs analyses
Co-design workshops
What is the financial impact of AML treatment on patients’ families?
The ‘Lia’ project highlighted the financial strain on families. Patients face average costs exceeding 12,000 euros in the first year of treatment, often covered through savings or loans.
who were the key figures involved in receiving the award?
The award was accepted by:
Matteo Della Porta, professor of oncohematology at Humanitas University Hospital in milan.
Maria Rosaria Natale, CEO of Healthcare Consultancy Your business Partner.
Felice Bombaci, national coordinator of patient groups AIL.
What is the core philosophy behind the ‘Lia’ project?
The core of the project was “actively listening to those involved,” as stated by the Lia Project Team.
How does the ‘Lia’ project redefine existing care pathways?
The project redefined care pathways by incorporating a value-based healthcare model. This led to improvements in effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability of the care provided.
What is the future plan for the ‘Lia’ project?
The project aims for national expansion. This will include:
analyzing regional risks to adapt the model.
Maintaining safety and continuity of care.
Involving public decision-makers and key opinion leaders.
Can you summarize the key benefits of the ’Lia’ project in a table?
Absolutely! Here’s a table summarizing the key benefits:
| Area of Improvement | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Day Hospital Costs | Reduced by 50% |
| Hospital Bed Occupancy | Decreased by 20% |
| Potential Annual Savings | 17.2 million euros (estimated) |
| Care Accessibility & Efficiency | Improved through a streamlined model |
| Patient & Caregiver Experience | Improved as a result of active listening |