A new opinion article co-authored by Professor Tom Wainwright, Dr Matteo Briguglio (IRCCS Galeazzi–Sant’Ambrogio, Milan), and Claudio Cordani (University of Milan), has been published in Frontiers in Health Services. The paper explores how physiotherapists and dietitians can support the shift from hospital-based care to community-centred, prevention-focused healthcare—an approach increasingly aligned with international health reforms.
Titled “The role of dietitians and physiotherapists in the prevention of non-communicable diseases in Italian communities: lessons from orthopaedic care to strengthen community initiatives”, the article positions these professionals as central to tackling modifiable risk factors such as poor diet and inactivity—major contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Drawing on lessons from the orthopaedic Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) model, the authors show how structured, multidisciplinary pathways, particularly prehabilitation and tele-rehabilitation, can be adapted to support chronic disease prevention in the community. While grounded in Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the recommendations echo key priorities of the recently launched NHS Long Term Plan, which emphasises prevention, early intervention, and integrated community care.
“Although the paper focuses on Italy, the principles translate directly to the UK,” said Professor Wainwright. “The NHS Long Term Plan’s vision of joined-up, proactive care requires us to move, from treatment to prevention, from hospital to community provision, and from working in silos to integrated teams.”
