WHO framework for measuring health system performance: conceptualization, challenges, responses
Decision makers at country level continually seek WHO’s advice on what type of policies improve the performance of health systems. But the evidence required to guide policy advice is weak, partly because there has not been general agreement on what the goals of health system development should be and partly because performance related to clearly defined goals have not been measured. For this reason, WHO recently developed a health system performance framework to guide its work, in which the goals of the health system are defined clearly and linked to four essential functions. The overall framework, and reports on key issues facing countries in terms of the measurement of performance, assessment of functions, and the development of policies critical to health systems development will be outlined. Examples of the way the framework is being used by countries in their policy development process will be discussed. In addition improvements in the methodology will be highlighted. Further, attention will be given to ways in which this framework can be constructively interactive with other approaches to health system development, such as Primary Health Care and Benchmarks of Fairness for Health Care Reform. Each of these approaches, including the Framework, is based on fundamental values of fairness, equity, efficiency, accountability, and community participation. All of these are inextricably linked to health improvement.
Learning Objectives: To appreciate the reasons for developing measures of health system performance. To understand the goals of the health system and that they must be clearly defined. To understand the ways in which such measures can lead to health policy reform.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.