Evaluating the incidence of regional patient migration in Italy through the formulation of a theoretical model and the conduction of a spatial econometric analysis

Abstract

This research thesis investigates the phenomenon of regional patient migration in Italy, which relates to individuals moving from a region to another to receive planned health treatments in specific local health authorities due to various possible motives. The main intent of the research is to provide an innovative contribution to fill a research gap that has been recognised in the existing literature. For this purpose, the thesis outlines the topic and reviews relevant information from the literature that upholds the conduction of the enquiry, defines the research methods and the analysis framework, which support the advancement of a theoretical model and the execution of an empirical analysis, and discusses the results to provide sound conclusions. In particular, the theoretical model illustrates how regional patient migration can emerge even from a situation of perfect equilibrium, while the empirical analysis of collected data, based on methods from the field of spatial econometrics, demonstrates how certain factors can be associated with its occurrence over time. The theoretical and empirical outcomes, combined with other concepts from the literature, are employed to deliver wisdom on the need for rational public policies and a distinctive solution for the issue, with the achievement of repairing a fractured equilibrium and sustaining it in the future to protect the public health care system and the welfare of the population. The final chapter concludes the thesis with a rundown of the research, the recognition of its limitations and suggestions for further enquiries on the matter.