scholarly journals Struggling with COVID-19—A Framework for Assessing Health System Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11146
Author(s):  
Iwona Markowicz ◽  
Iga Rudawska
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
System Performance ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
International Agencies

Currently, no guidelines exist on how to evaluate the performance of health systems fighting the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Therefore, this study seeks (1) to develop a conceptual framework that would be helpful in the given context, and (2) to test the feasibility of the proposed approach. The framework is conceptualized based on investigating critical dimensions and indicators for the successful design of a method for evaluating the performance of health systems. Subsequently, the taxonomic measure of development is used and a correlational analysis made in order to run a pilot test of the proposed concept. The finalized conceptual framework has five input dimensions (demographical burden, epidemiological burden, health-related quality of life, financial resources, and access) described by 18 indicators, and two output domains (outcomes, productivity) described by six indicators to monitor system performance under the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot-test conducted in European Union countries and the United States proved the model to be useful and feasible. The proposed framework can be used to assess the performance of health systems fighting novel pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, worldwide. Our methodological approach can be used as a benchmark for international agencies such as the World Health Organization in developing their own frameworks. The paper presents the first research exploring the evaluation of a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has the potential to help monitor a health system’s performance during the pandemic by accounting for specific country-related circumstances. In a broader sense, it can contribute to boosting health market competitiveness in terms of quality.

scholarly journals 29.F. Workshop: The Health Systems and Policy Monitor network: reforms and health system changes in the spotlight

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Comparative Research ◽  
World Health ◽  
State Of Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Eu

Abstract The European Observatory established the Health Systems and Policy Monitor (HSPM) network in 2008, bringing together an international group of high-profile institutions from Europe and beyond with high academic standing in health systems and policy analysis. An important step was taken in 2011, when the Bertelsmann Health Policy Monitor, a 20-country-project with already significant overlap with the current HSPM network, merged with the Observatory's network of national lead institutions. Today, the network includes 40 institutions from 31 countries, with members participating in a wide range of activities and collaborations, such as writing the Observatory's flagship health system reports (HiTs), keeping the health policy community up-to-date on health system developments via the HSPM web platform, and contributing their expertise to reports, studies and knowledge transfer exercises co-ordinated by the Observatory for a variety of audiences, including ministries of health and international organisations such as the World Health Organization and the European Commission. In addition, network members participate in an annual meeting, hosted in a different member country every year, coming together over two days to exchange knowledge and experiences about the various health system reforms happening in their countries. The aim of these meetings is to present, discuss and start comparative research collaborations of the members that can inform policymaking. As part of a collaboration with the journal Health Policy, researchers of the HSPM network have published more than 100 articles on cross-country comparisons of policies or on ongoing nation health reforms in a special section - the Health Reform Monitor - of the journal. This workshop aims to provide the audience with an overview of the network and its expanding range of activities. An introductory presentation will briefly introduce the origins of the network and discuss its current line of work. The second presentation will provide an overview of reform trends that are routinely collected during the annual meetings as part of the “reform roundup”. The third presentation will give an example of how the network has contributed to the European Commission's State of Health in the EU initiative, by performing a 'rapid response” that informed the companion report to the State of Health in the EU country health profiles 2019. The fourth presentation is a typical example of the kind of collaborative work that the network is undertaking, i.e. involving multiple countries on a topic of shared interest. The workshop will conclude with a debate with the audience about the conceptual and methodological challenges as well as opportunities and future directions of cross-country comparative research and the HSPM network in particular. Key messages The Health Systems and Policy Monitor Network provides detailed descriptions of health systems and provides up to date information on reforms and changes that are particularly policy relevant. The Health Systems and Policy Monitor Network increasingly engages in comparative health systems research and knowledge transfer activities.

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare: Pathways to Equip Workforces in the Post-COVID-19 New Normal (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiban Khuntia ◽  
Xue Ning ◽  
Wayne Cascio ◽  
Rulon Stacey
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
The Us ◽  
Service Oriented

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, with all its virus variants, remains a serious situation. Health systems across the United States are trying their best to respond. The healthcare workforce remains relatively homogenous, even though they are caring for a highly diverse array of patients (6-12). It is a perennial problem in the US healthcare workforce that has only been accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical workers should reflect the variety of patients they care for and strive to understand their mindsets within the larger contexts of culture, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic realities. Along with talent and skills, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are essential for maintaining a workforce that can treat the myriad needs and populations that health systems serve. Developing hiring strategies in a post-COVID-19 “new normal” that will help achieve greater workforce diversity remains a challenge for health system leaders. OBJECTIVE Our primary objectives are (1) to explore the characteristics and perceived benefits of US health systems that value D&I; (2) to examine the influence of a workforce strategy designed to balance talent and D&I; and (3) to explore three pathways to better equip workforces and their relative influences on business- and service-oriented benefits: (a) improving D&I among existing employees (IMPROVE), (b) using multiple channels to find and recruit a workforce (RECRUIT), and (c) collaborating with universities to find new talent and establish plans to train students (COLLABORATE). METHODS During February–March 2021, we surveyed 625 health system chief executive officers, in the United States, 135 (22%) of whom responded. We assessed workforce talent and diversity-relevant factors. We collected secondary data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Compendium of the US. Health Systems, leading to a matched data set of 124 health systems for analysis. We first explored differences in talent and diversity benefits across the health systems. Then, we examined the relationship between IMPROVE, RECRUIT, and COLLABORATE pathways to equip the workforce. RESULTS Health system characteristics, such as size, location, ownership, teaching, and revenue, have varying influences on D&I and business and service outcomes. RECRUIT has the most substantial mediating effect on diversity-enabled business- and service-oriented outcomes of the three pathways. This is also true of talent-based workforce acquisitions. CONCLUSIONS Diversity and talent plans can be aligned to realize multiple desired benefits for health systems. However, a one-size-fits-all approach is not a viable strategy for improving D&I. Health systems need to follow a multipronged approach based on their characteristics. To get D&I right, proactive plans and genuine efforts are essential.

scholarly journals Health System Strategies and Adolescent Sexual Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature using Rodgers Concept Analysis Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 526-536
Author(s):  
Wilfred Njabulo Nunu ◽  
Lufuno Makhado ◽  
Jabu Tsakani Mabunda ◽  
Rachel Tsakani Lebese
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health System ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Concept Analysis ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Analysis Framework ◽  
Adolescent Sexual Health ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences

Background: Health Systems Strategies play a key role in determining Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes. This study aims to review the literature on the relationship between Health Systems Strategies and Adolescent Sexual Health issues guided by Rodger's evolutionary concept analysis framework. The study further develops a Conceptual Framework that would guide a study that seeks to “Develop strategies to facilitate safe sexual practices in adolescents through Integrated Health Systems in selected Districts in Zimbabwe.” Methods: Adolescents, Health Systems, Sexual Health, and Strategies were used to search for published literature (in English) on Google Scholar, PUBMED, EBSCO, Cochran Library, and Science Direct. A total of 142 Articles and 11 reports were obtained, and the content was screened for relevance. This led to 42 articles and 03 reports being found suitable and relevant, and thus, the content was reviewed. Thematic analysis was done to identify attributes, antecedents, and consequences of Health Systems Strategies on Adolescent Sexual Health. These findings were then used to inform the development of the Conceptual Framework. Results: Key attributes, antecedents and consequences of Health System Strategies on Adolescent Sexual Health were identified. Strategies to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes were also identified. Conclusions: Different contextual factors influence policy changes and the consequences are mixed, with both positive and negative outcomes.

scholarly journals A comparative analysis of world health systems and Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Ayşe İKİNCİ KELEŞ ◽  
Gökhan KELEŞ
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Good Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Second Wave

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which causes severe airway problems, first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The virus led to a pandemic that affected the entire world. COVID-19 affects not only health, but also economic and social life. The emergence of this pandemic has led to health systems across the world being questioned. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of world health systems in the face of this pandemic. Twelve countries were selected and analyzed in the study. The choice of these countries was determined by the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Information concerning health systems and COVID-19 was obtained from Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 2018, World Health Organization 2020 and Deep Knowledge Group data and was subjected to statistical analysis. According to the analysis, the country with the highest investment in health expenditures is the United States (10586 US dollars/capita), and Germany stands out as the best in health services. Another finding is the first and second wave of COVID-19 was identified as the USA with the highest case and death rate (First wave cases 1.942.363 and deaths 110.514; second wave cases at 7.419.230 and deaths 2.09.450). As a result of the meta-analysis, it is revealed that only socio-economic power is not enough, countries with good health systems are more successful in the pandemic. In addition, the analysis once again reveal how important health systems are in the face of such a pandemic.

scholarly journals What makes health systems resilient against infectious disease outbreaks and natural hazards? Results from a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer B. Nuzzo ◽  
Diane Meyer ◽  
Michael Snyder ◽  
Sanjana J. Ravi ◽  
Ana Lapascu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Health System ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infectious Disease Outbreaks ◽  
System Resilience

Abstract Background The 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak was a wake-up call regarding the critical importance of resilient health systems. Fragile health systems can become overwhelmed during public health crises, further exacerbating the human, economic, and political toll. Important work has been done to describe the general attributes of a health system resilient to these crises, and the next step will be to identify the specific capacities that health systems need to develop and maintain to achieve resiliency. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify recurring themes and capacities needed for health system resiliency to infectious disease outbreaks and natural hazards and any existing implementation frameworks that highlight these capacities. We also sought to identify the overlap of the identified themes and capacities with those highlighted in the World Health Organization’s Joint External Evaluation. Sources of evidence included PubMed, Web of Science, OAIster, and the websites of relevant major public health organizations. Results We identified 16 themes of health system resilience, including: the need to develop plans for altered standards of care during emergencies, the need to develop plans for post-event recovery, and a commitment to quality improvement. Most of the literature described the general attributes of a resilient health system; no implementation frameworks were identified that could translate these elements into specific capacities that health system actors can employ to improve resilience to outbreaks and natural hazards in a variety of settings. Conclusions An implementation-oriented health system resilience framework could help translate the important components of a health system identified in this review into specific capacities that actors in the health system could work to develop to improve resilience to public health crises. However, there remains a need to further refine the concept of resilience so that health systems can simultaneously achieve sustainable transformations in healthcare practice and health service delivery as well as improve their preparedness for emergencies.

scholarly journals STRENGTH IN AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEMS: AN INNOVATIVE INTEGRATED INTERPROFESSIONAL MODEL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S829-S829
Author(s):  
Teri Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health System ◽  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
American Hospital ◽  
American Hospital Association

Abstract This paper presents an innovative conceptual approach to health care policy for older adults: the Age-Friendly Health Systems Integrated Interprofessional Model. In 2017, the John A. Hartford Foundation and Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and Catholic Health Association of the United States, advanced the concept of an Age-Friendly Health System. This initiative is designed to respond to the needs of a burgeoning U.S. older adult population, expected to double from 2012 to 2050, largely due to the aging of Baby Boomers and increased life expectancy. These Baby Boomers will demand a well-coordinated, communicative health system responsive to their values and preferences. In an Age-Friendly Health System, all older adults receive the best possible care, without care-related harms, and with satisfaction of care received. Essential elements include what matters, mentation, mobility, and medications, with a focus on patient-directed, family-engaged care. While a solid framework for improving healthcare for older adults, this model is further strengthened by incorporating the essential elements of person-, family-, and community-centered approaches to care; interprofessional team-based competencies, and Quadruple Aim outcomes. This enhanced model, referred to as the Age-Friendly Health System Integrated Interprofessional Model, combines elements essential to quality healthcare within the framework of an Age-Friendly Health System. This paper will present the original Age-Friendly Health System framework, the proposed Age-Friendly Health System Integrated Interprofessional Model, then compare and contrast each model’s essential principles. Implications for adoption of this enhanced model for policy, education, and practice will be explored.

scholarly journals Health systems readiness to provide geriatric friendly care services in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jude Thaddeus Ssensamba ◽  
Moses Mukuru ◽  
Mary Nakafeero ◽  
Ronald Ssenyonga ◽  
Suzanne N. Kiwanuka
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
World Health ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Southern Central

Abstract Background As ageing emerges as the next public health threat in Africa, there is a paucity of information on how prepared its health systems are to provide geriatric friendly care services. In this study, we explored the readiness of Uganda’s public health system to offer geriatric friendly care services in Southern Central Uganda. Methods Four districts with the highest proportion of old persons in Southern Central Uganda were purposively selected, and a cross-section of 18 randomly selected health facilities (HFs) were visited and assessed for availability of critical items deemed important for provision of geriatric friendly services; as derived from World Health Organization’s Age-friendly primary health care centres toolkit. Data was collected using an adapted health facility geriatric assessment tool, entered into Epi-data software and analysed using STATA version 14. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s post hoc tests were conducted to determine any associations between readiness, health facility level, and district. Results The overall readiness index was 16.92 (SD ±4.19) (range 10.8–26.6). This differed across districts; Lwengo 17.91 (SD ±3.15), Rakai 17.63 (SD ±4.55), Bukomansimbi 16.51 (SD ±7.18), Kalungu 13.74 (SD ±2.56) and facility levels; Hospitals 26.62, Health centers four (HCIV) 20.05 and Health centers three (HCIII) 14.80. Low readiness was due to poor scores concerning; leadership (0%), financing (0%), human resources (1.7%) and health management information systems (HMIS) (11.8%) WHO building blocks. Higher-level HFs were statistically significantly friendlier than lower-level HFs (p = 0.015). The difference in readiness between HCIIIs and HCIVs was 2.39 (p = 0.025). Conclusion There is a low readiness for public health facilities to provide geriatric friendly care services in Uganda. This is due to gaps in all of the health system building blocks. There is a need for health system reforms in Uganda to adequately cater for service provision for older adults if the 2020 global healthy ageing goal is to be met.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document