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The aim is to systematically analyze the organizational structure, governance, and workforce composition of Departments of Prevention in the Triveneto area.

June 3, 2026Hygiene0 citationsOpen Access

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The Organizational Structure and Workforce Composition of Prevention Departments in the Triveneto Area: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study with a Focus on the Veneto Region

ITIlaria Tocco Tussardi MPMarcello Di Pumpo STStefano Tardivo

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The aim is to systematically analyze the organizational structure, governance, and workforce composition of Departments of Prevention in the Triveneto area.
Cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing 2022 Italian Prevention Observatory national survey data.
Assessment through a structured 87-item questionnaire on organizational structure and services offered.
Data collected includes coverage information from 10 of 14 Departments of Prevention.
71.4% of Departments of Prevention reported core services, with staffing percentages of 35% public health, 23% veterinary health, and 14% occupational health.
Management Committees operated in 80% of Departments, showing a slightly higher active role than the national average.
Median staff density was 3235 inhabitants per staff member, indicating a need for potential staffing improvements.

Abstract

Background: In Italy, Departments of Prevention (Dipartimenti di Prevenzione, DPs) are primary organizational units for disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental health. Constitutional decentralization (2001) generated significant regional variability. While national data exist, in-depth regional analyses are lacking. Objectives: To provide a systematic descriptive analysis of organizational structure, governance mechanisms, and workforce composition of DPs in the Triveneto area (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano), contextualized within national and international frameworks. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study using 2022 Italian Prevention Observatory national survey data. A structured 87-item questionnaire assessed organizational structure, governance, staffing, and quality systems. Results: A total of 10 of 14 DPs participated (71.4% coverage; 5.2 million inhabitants, 87% of Triveneto population). All maintained three mandated core services (Public Health and Hygiene, Veterinary Public Health, and Occupational Health and Safety), employing medians of 35%, 23%, and 14% of staff, respectively. Management Committees were active in 80% of DPs (vs. 77.6% nationally). Quality certification (30%) and institutional accreditation (50%, Veneto only) showed inconsistent implementation. The workforce was predominantly non-executive (65% vs. 67% nationally), reflecting progressive task reallocation. Median staff density: 3235 inhabitants/staff member (vs. 2608 nationally). Conclusions: Participating DPs—predominantly from the Veneto Region—demonstrate comprehensive service coverage and established governance structures, yet face standardization challenges. Findings should be interpreted in light of Veneto overrepresentation (8/10 participating DPs). Alignment with territorial care reforms (Ministerial Decree 77/2022) and National Recovery Plan investments could enhance integration, digital infrastructure, and preparedness capacity.

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The Organizational Structure and Workforce Composition of Prevention Departments in the Triveneto Area: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study with a Focus on the Veneto Region

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