Italy Launches Sla Support Platform “Ovunque Vicini”

Why this is here: Isa, the digital platform at the heart of this initiative, aims to provide a first contact for support requests within four hours of activation.

In Milan, Aisla—the Italian Association for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—presented “Ovunque Vicini,” a new model for specialized care for people with Sla. The initiative partners Aisla with the Serena Foundation and Nemo Clinical Centers.

It received funding from the President of the Council of Ministers and a contribution from Intesa Sanpaolo. The project centers on Isa, a digital platform designed to deliver clinical expertise, social support, and continuous care directly to patients and families.

Aisla emphasizes that quality care shouldn’t depend on location. The platform aims to reduce fragmentation and inequality in access to care across Italy. Alberto Fontana of Nemo Clinical Centers and Grazia Micarelli of Aisla developed the project, questioning how to maintain specialized support as the disease progresses.

Isa is now available as a free app on both iOS and Android. It allows users to request support, access telehealth appointments, and receive social guidance, promising a first contact within four hours during a 12-hour service window.

The project will initially be tested in Calabria, Basilicata, and Veneto. Researchers acknowledge that demonstrating improved life quality remains a key challenge.