ABSTRACT
AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Home care programs are designed to provide care for cancer patients in their homes. Aim of the study is to describe the activities of home care program, to examine the organization and efficiency of this type of care in Italy. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to the regional representatives of the National Society of Medical Oncology and to the regional health departments. RESULTS: a) the home care program is uniformly distributed throughout the country; b) the number of personnel in the different centers varies greatly from one area to another; c) approximately 50% of the centers do not cover emergency situations (at night or on holidays); and d) there is little involvement of the public sector. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of these problems, the home care system is taking on a fundamental role, especially for advanced cancer patients.