Essays on health economics, health management, and public health: from theory to pratice

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, health economics, and public health, the pursuit of knowledge often transcends the confines of academia, drawing momentum from real-world challenges faced by industry and research institutions. My journey through the complex intersection of these domains has been significantly shaped by a pivotal experience: my tenure at DiaSorin S.p.A., a global leader in laboratory diagnostics, particularly in the immunodiagnostics and molecular segments. During this time, I had the opportunity to contribute to the development of three diagnostic assays that not only advanced the company’s mission but also laid the foundation for this PhD essay. Healthcare, health economics, and public health form a triad at the forefront of contemporary societal challenges. Health economics, focused on the allocation of resources within healthcare systems, plays a critical role in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and informs policy decisions on resource distribution. Public health policies, often shaped by economic considerations, rely on cost-benefit analyses to assess feasibility and impact. In parallel, public health and healthcare systems collaborate on preventive strategies—such as vaccination campaigns, health education, and disease surveillance—to reduce disease burden. Healthcare providers implement these initiatives through patient education, early screenings, and targeted interventions. Epidemiology, a cornerstone of public health, provides crucial data on disease patterns, causes, and transmission, guiding healthcare decisions and evaluating treatment efficacy. Health economics leverages this data to assess the financial and societal impact of diseases, interventions, and public health programs. In recent years, these interconnected fields have evolved rapidly, driven by the pursuit of precise diagnostics, efficient interventions, and robust public health strategies. Within this context, in vitro diagnostic companies like DiaSorin play a vital role as hubs of innovation, developing technologies that directly influence patient care and health outcomes.