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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 2/2016

Open Access 01-05-2016 | Debate

Uncomfortable realities: the challenge of creating real change in Europe’s consolidating hospital sector

Authors: Patrick Jeurissen, Antonio Duran, Richard B. Saltman

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Special Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

Background

This article examines uncomfortable realities that the European hospital sector currently faces and the potential impact of wide-spread rationalization policies such as (hospital) payment reform and privatization.

Methods

Review of relevant international literature.

Results

Based on the evidence we present, rationalization policies such as (hospital) payment reform and privatization will probably fall short in delivering better quality of care and lower growth in health expenses. Reasons can be sought in a mix of evidence on the effectiveness of these rationalization policies. Nevertheless, pressures for different business models will gradually continue to increase and it seems safe to assume that more value-added process business and facilitated network models will eventually emerge.

Conclusions

The overall argument of this article holds important implications for future research: how can policymakers generate adequate leverage to introduce such changes without destroying necessary hospital capacity and the ability to produce quality healthcare.
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Metadata
Title
Uncomfortable realities: the challenge of creating real change in Europe’s consolidating hospital sector
Authors
Patrick Jeurissen
Antonio Duran
Richard B. Saltman
Publication date
01-05-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue Special Issue 2/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1389-3

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