Understanding the Role of Values in Health Policy Decision-Making From the Perspective of Policy-Makers and Stakeholders: A Multiple-Case Embedded Study in Chile and Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Chile and Colombia are examples of Latin American countries with health systems shaped by similar values. Recently, both countries have crafted policies to regulate the participation of private for-profit insurance companies in their health systems, but through very different mechanisms. This study asks: what values are important in the decision-making processes that crafted these policies? And how and why are they used? METHODS: An embedded multiple-case study design was carried out for 2 specific decisions in each country: (1) in Chile, the development of the Universal Plan of Explicit Entitlements -AUGE/GES - and mandating universal coverage of treatments for high-cost diseases; and (2) in Colombia, the declaration of health as a fundamental right and a mechanism to explicitly exclude technologies that cannot be publicly funded. We interviewed key informants involved in one or more of the decisions and/or in the policy analysis and development process that contributed to the eventual decision. The data analysis involved a constant comparative approach and thematic analysis for each case study. RESULTS: From the 40 individuals who were invited, 28 key informants participated. A tension between 2 important values was identified for each decision (eg, solidarity vs. individualism for the AUGE/GES plan in Chile; human dignity vs. sustainability for the declaration of the right to health in Colombia). Policy-makers used values in the decisionmaking process to frame problems in meaningful ways, to guide policy development, as a pragmatic instrument to make decisions, and as a way to legitimize decisions. In Chile, values such as individualism and free choice were incorporated in decision-making because attaining private health insurance was seen as an indicator of improved personal economic status. In Colombia, human dignity was incorporated as the core value because the Constitutional Court asserted its importance in its use of judicial activism as a check on the power of the executive and legislative branches. CONCLUSION: There is an opportunity to open further exploration of the role of values in different health decisions, political sectors besides health, and even other jurisdictions.

A comparative analysis on human resources among the specialized ophthalmic medical institutions in China.

BACKGROUND: This study compares perspectives on specialized ophthalmic medical institutions, identifies the gaps in property and geographic offerings, and explores the ways that ophthalmic medical institutions can better allocate resources. The results of this research will increase patient's access to equitable and high-quality ophthalmic care in China. METHODS: The data for this research was gathered from the Survey of China National Eye Care Capacity and Resource for the year 2015. The paper specified the number, professional level of expertise, and educational background of ophthalmic health personnel. The authors of the paper analyzed and compared the differences in ophthalmic care in public vs. private and urban vs. rural regions in China. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Of the 395 specialized ophthalmic hospitals surveyed, 332 were private medical institutions (84%), and 63 were public (16%). Of the 26 607 ophthalmic personnel surveyed, working in specialized ophthalmic hospitals, 17 561 were in private hospitals (66%) and 9 046 were in public ones (34%). Furthermore, 22 578 of those personnel worked in urban ophthalmic institutions (85%) and 4 029 worked in rural ones (15%). As for regional differences, 14 090 personnel were located in eastern China (53%), 8 828 in central regions (33%), and 3 689 in the western regions (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Public ophthalmic medical institutions still face challenges in providing equitable and widespread care. The availability of well-staffed health centers varies significantly by region. These variations impact resource allocation and directly lead to inequalities and inaccessibility of health services in certain regions of China.

[General characteristics of medical education in Mexico. A look from medical schools]. / Características generales de la educación médica en México. Una mirada desde las escuelas de medicina.

OBJECTIVE: To know the characteristics of medical education and identify its strengths and weaknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transversal and quantitative study of the characteristics of medical education in 29 medical schools in Mexico was carried out, between April and September 2017. Questionnaire with Likert scale was applied to explore context, regulation, structure, process, results and impact of medical education. Bivariate analysis was performed with a Chi square test and the significance level was equal to or less than 0.05. RESULTS: The political context obtained 64%, economical context 10% and mechanisms of regulation 31%. The educational structure was 61% and the social impact was 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Public policies, regulatory mechanisms and public investment must be strengthened to improve the quality of medical education.

OBJETIVO: Conocer las características de la educación médica e identificar sus fortalezas y debilidades. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal y cuantitativo para conocer las características de la educación médica en 29 escuelas de medicina en México, entre abril y septiembre de 2017. Se utilizó un cuestionario con escala tipo Likert para explorar el contexto, la regulación, la estructura, el proceso, los resultados y el impacto de la educación médica. Se realizó un análisis bivariado con ji cuadrada y una significancia estadística de p igual o menor a 0.05. RESULTADOS: El contexto político obtuvo 64%, el contexto económico 10%, los mecanismos de regulación 31%, la estructura educativa 61% y el impacto social 93%. CONCLUSIONES: Se requiere fortalecer las políticas públicas, la regulación y la inversión pública, para mejorar la calidad de la educación médica.

Comparative Analysis of Private Retail Community Pharmacies' Participation in the National Health Insurance Scheme of Nigeria and Ghana: Implications for Access to Essential Medicines.

BACKGROUND: Frequent stock-out of drugs in the public hospitals causes National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrollees to purchase most of their medicines out-of-pocket in community pharmacies, thereby imposing financial constraints on them against the main objective of the scheme. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the level of participation of private retail community pharmacies (PRCPs) in the NHIS of Nigeria and Ghana, to describe their spatial distribution, and to highlight from literature major factors that would influence the participation of these pharmacies in the scheme. METHODS: PRCPs data were collected from the Nigerian NHIS active secondary healthcare providers list of 1st July 2017 and the Ghanaian NHIS active providers online list of 2018. PRCPs densities at the national levels were calculated from last published national coverage data for each country. RESULTS: The total number of PRCP accredited by NHIS of both Nigeria and Ghana is 964(639[66.3% versus 325[33.7%]). NHIS accredited PRCPs densities for Nigeria and Ghana were 1 PRCP per 9, 390 enrollees and 1 PRCP per 33, 108 enrollees respectively. Across the Nigerian States, it was noted that Lagos State has the highest proportion (21.4%, n = 137) of community pharmacy participation in the scheme whereas, in Ghan, Greater Accra Region has the highest participation (34.2%, n = 111). CONCLUSION: This study revealed low participation of PRCPs and skewed spatial distribution between urban and rural areas of both countries, although there was higher participation of these pharmacies in Nigeria due to Nigerian lower NHIS coverage data compared to Ghana.

Operationalization of bi-directional screening for tuberculosis and diabetes in private sector healthcare clinics in Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Many countries are facing overlapping epidemics of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes increases the overall risk of developing Tuberculosis (TB) and contributes to adverse treatment outcomes. Active screening for both diseases can reduce TB transmission and prevent the development of complications of DM. We investigated bi-directional TB-DM screening in Karachi, Pakistan, a country that ranks fifth among high TB burden countries, and has the seventh highest country burden for DM. METHODS: Between February to November 2014, community-based screeners identified presumptive TB and DM through verbal screening at private health clinics. Individuals with presumptive TB were referred for a chest X-ray and Xpert MTB/RIF. Presumptive DM cases had random blood glucose (RBS) tested. All individuals with bacteriologically positive TB were referred for diabetes testing (RBS). All pre-diabetics and diabetics were referred for a chest X-ray and Xpert MTB/RIF test. The primary outcomes of this study were uptake of TB and DM testing. RESULTS: A total of 450,385 individuals were screened, of whom 18,109 had presumptive DM and 90,137 had presumptive TB. 14,550 of these individuals were presumptive for both DM and TB. The uptake of DM testing among those with presumptive diabetes was 26.1% while the uptake of TB testing among presumptive TB cases was 5.9%. Despite efforts to promote bi-directional screening of TB and DM, the uptake of TB testing among pre-diabetes and diabetes cases was only 4.7%, while the uptake of DM testing among MTB positive cases was 21.8%. CONCLUSION: While a high yield for TB was identified among pre-diabetics and diabetics along with a high yield of DM among individuals diagnosed with TB, there was a low uptake of TB testing amongst presumptive TB patients who were recorded as pre-diabetic or diabetic. Bi-directional screening for TB and DM which includes the integration of TB diagnostics, DM screening and TB-DM treatment within existing health care programs will need to address the operational challenges identified before implementing this as a strategy in public health programs.

Precarização do trabalho odontológico na saúde suplementar: uma análise bioética / Precarisation of dentistry in private healthcare: bioethical analysis

Resumo O presente trabalho evidenciou o processo de trabalho do cirurgião-dentista (CD) no setor de saúde suplementar a partir da visão do profissional, sob a luz da Bioética de Intervenção. Foi realizado um estudo observacional-seccional do tipo inquérito circunscrito à região do Distrito Federal. Os dados foram coletados por meio de 108 questionários respondidos por CDs credenciados à duas modalidades de operadora: autogestão e odontologia de grupo, com a finalidade de conhecer a percepção e o grau de satisfação profissional diante do mercado de trabalho odontológico. A insatisfação maior por parte dos profissionais foi relacionada à remuneração dos trabalhos odontológicos pelas operadoras. Para a operadora de autogestão 1, 38,1% dos profissionais responderam que a remuneração era satisfatória, enquanto para a de autogestão 2 e odontologia de grupo, houve 100% de insatisfação. Outro dado encontrado foi que a operadora de odontologia de grupo restringiu os tratamentos selecionados aos pacientes de forma expressiva. Conclui-se que existe a perda de autonomia profissional, desvalorização dos ressarcimentos e precarização do trabalho odontológico na saúde suplementar, demonstrando conflitos éticos nessa relação de trabalho.

Abstract The present study highlighted the labour process of the dental surgeon (DS) in the private healthcare sector from the healthcare professional's perspective based on intervention bioethics. An observational, cross-sectional survey study was performed within the Federal District (Distrito Federal) region. Data were collected from 108 questionnaires completed by DSs affiliated with two types of private health insurers, self-insurance and group insurance, to assess job perception and the degree of job satisfaction in the dentistry market. The main source of dissatisfaction for healthcare professionals was related to the pay for dental procedures by insurers. For self-insurer 1, 38.1% healthcare professionals replied that the pay was satisfactory, whereas in self-insurance 2 and in the group insurance, 100% of healthcare professionals were dissatisfied. Another finding was that the group insurer considerably restricted elective treatments. In conclusion, loss of professional autonomy, depreciation of insurance claims and precarisation of dentistry occurs in the private healthcare sector, thus demonstrating the ethical conflicts in this relationship.

New Challenges in Oncology for the Brazilian Private Health Sector: Specialists' Concerns After the ISPOR International Congress in Boston, Massachusetts, 2017.

The congress of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research is one of the main worldwide forums for the dissemination of research and knowledge on healthcare economics. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, with a per-capita gross domestic product of $15 200 in 2017 and healthcare expenditure of the order of $1 318 per inhabitant. Brazilian specialists participated actively in the society's latest congress, which took place in Boston, Massachusetts, from May 20 to 24, 2017. They met to discuss the main topics dealt with at the congress and their applicability to Brazilian realities. The topics chosen were precision medicine, new challenges for economic modeling within oncology and immuno-oncology, data to aid in managerial decision making (ie, data from real-world studies), and, lastly, strategies for accessing high-cost medications in Brazil. This opinion article sought to report the main conclusions and consensus reached by this group of specialists on the occasion of this discussion.

Reforms in the Portuguese health care sector: Challenges and proposals.

Portugal has one of the most complete public systems worldwide. Since 1979, the Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) was developed based on the integration and complementarity between different levels of care (primary, secondary, continued, and palliative care). However, in 2009, the absence of economic growth and the increased foreign debt led the country to a severe economic slowdown, reducing the public funding and weakening the decentralized model of health care administration. During the austerity period, political attention has focused primarily on reducing health care costs and consolidating the efficiency and sustainability with no structural reform. After the postcrisis period (since 2016), the recovery of the public health system begun. Since then, some proposals have required a reform of the health sector's governance structure based on the promotion of access, quality, and efficiency. This study presents several key issues involved in the current postcrisis reform of the Portuguese NHS response structure to citizens' needs. The article also discusses the implications of this Portuguese experience based on current reforms with impact on the future of citizens' health.

Effect of dual practice on service delivery time by surgeons in the Islamic Republic of Iran: multi-level analysis of a national survey, 2016.

BACKGROUND: One of the work patterns which affects the supply of specialists is the phenomenon of dual practice (DP), i.e., working simultaneously in the public and private sectors. Uncontrolled DP in the surgery health workforce can have adverse effects on access to surgeons, efficiency, effectiveness and quality of surgery services. AIMS: The aim of this article is to examine the impact of DP on service delivery time by surgeons. METHODS: We used a prestructured form to collect data on surgery specialists in all 925 Iranian hospitals. National medical ID codes, council ID codes, first name, surname and father's name were used for data matching. Multilevel linear regression was used to assess the association between DP and study variables, which were recruitment type, faculty status, experience, sex and age. RESULTS: The 4642 surgery specialists in this study, representing 31.08% of the total number of surgeons identified, spent mean 1.09 (standard deviation 0.33) hours full-time equivalent (FTE) on health care service delivery. Specialists with DP had long service delivery time (ß = 0.427). Female specialists (ß = -0.049) and full-time specialists (ß = -0.082) spent less time on health care service delivery. Permanent specialists had higher FTE (P < 0.001) and as the population increases, FTE increases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although DP had a direct impact on surgeons' working hours, it seems that a greater share of the difference in working time was used in the private sector services, leading to poor access to surgery services in the public sector. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a systems approach to regulate DP.

[Regional governance of the health system in Brazil: configurations of actors and the role of the Interagency Commissions]. / Governança regional do sistema de saúde no Brasil: configurações de atores e papel das Comissões Intergovernamentais.

The analytical focus is on the role of the Regional Interagency Commissions (CIR), considering the diversity of actors that influence health policy in specific regional contexts. The research involved conducting five case studies in each of the Brazilian macroregions, with the application of 128 questionnaires to public managers, service providers and civil society representatives, between August 2015 and August 2016. The comparative perspective was adopted, by considering three analytical approaches: the configuration of actors (governmental and non-governmental; public and private) on regional decisions and conflicts, operation dynamics and contributions of commissions to health system policy and organization. The results showed the diversity of actors with a high degree of influence in the regions and the role of the Regional Interagency Commissions in policy coordination and conflict resolution. The commissions favor interagency negotiation and the organization of the Unified Health System vis-à-vis the Brazilian federative structure. However, they have limited scope as a space for regional health governance and are unable to incorporate the different configurations of public and private actors with power and influence over health decisions.

O foco da análise é o papel exercido pelas Comissões Intergestores Regionais, considerando a diversidade de atores que influenciam a política de saúde em contextos regionais específicos. A pesquisa envolveu a realização de cinco estudos de caso em cada uma das macrorregiões brasileiras, com aplicação de 128 questionários a gestores, prestadores e representantes da sociedade civil, entre agosto de 2015 e agosto de 2016. Adotou-se a perspectiva comparada, considerando três eixos de análise: configurações de atores (governamentais e não governamentais; públicos e privados) nas decisões e conflitos regionais, dinâmica de funcionamento e atuação, e contribuições das comissões para a política e a organização do sistema de saúde. Verificou-se a diversidade de atores com alto grau de influência nas regiões e a função das Comissões Intergestores Regionais na coordenação das políticas e na resolução de conflitos. Estas favorecem a negociação intergovernamental e a organização do Sistema Único de Saúde frente à estrutura federativa brasileira. Contudo, possuem atuação limitada como espaço de governança regional da saúde, sendo incapazes de incorporar as diversas configurações de atores públicos e privados com poder e influência sobre as decisões de saúde.

Government resource contributions to the private-not-for-profit sector in Uganda: evolution, adaptations and implications for universal health coverage.

BACKGROUND: A case study was prepared examining government resource contributions (GRCs) to private-not-for-profit (PNFP) providers in Uganda. It focuses on Primary Health Care (PHC) grants to the largest non-profit provider network, the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB), from 1997 to 2015. The framework of complex adaptive systems was used to explain changes in resource contributions and the relationship between the Government and UCMB. METHODS: Documents and key informant interviews with the important actors provided the main sources of qualitative data. Trends for GRCs and service outputs for the study period were constructed from existing databases used to monitor service inputs and outputs. The case study's findings were validated during two meetings with a broad set of stakeholders. RESULTS: Three major phases were identified in the evolution of GRCs and the relationship between the Government and UCMB: 1) Initiation, 2) Rapid increase in GRCs, and 3) Declining GRCs. The main factors affecting the relationship's evolution were: 1) Financial deficits at PNFP facilities, 2) advocacy by PNFP network leaders, 3) changes in the government financial resource envelope, 4) variations in the "good will" of government actors, and 5) changes in donor funding modalities. Responses to the above dynamics included changes in user fees, operational costs of PNFPs, and government expectations of UCMB. Quantitative findings showed a progressive increase in service outputs despite the declining value of GRCs during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: GRCs in Uganda have evolved influenced by various factors and the complex interactions between government and PNFPs. The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda should pay attention to these factors and their interactions when shaping how governments work with PNFPs to advance UHC. GRCs could be leveraged to mitigate the financial burden on communities served by PNFPs. Governments seeking to advance UHC goals should explore policies to expand GRCs and other modalities to subsidize the operational costs of PNFPs.

Oncology services supply in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the current status of oncological services supply in Colombia. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of oncological services for cancer care in the adult and infant population that meet the requirements for operation according to the Special Register of Health Service Providers was carried out. The case - by - provider ratio was calculated based on the cancer incidence estimated for Colombia by the National Cancer Institute. RESULTS: Were identified 1,780 qualified oncology health services in the country related to specialties for providing care to cancer patients. Twenty five providers nationwide had all three qualified services: chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Nearly 50% of the offer was concentrated in Bogotá, Antioquia and Valle del Cauca. Putumayo and the Amazonas group departments, with the exception of Vaupés, did not show any oncological services. Healthcare Providers were responsible for 87.8%, and independent professionals provided 12.2%. Outpatient services were 66.7% of oncology services, 17.4% was diagnostic support services and therapeutic complementation, and 15.9% was surgical services. 87.9% of the oncological service offer in Colombia takes place in the private sector. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio between the service groups is asymmetric, with few providers jointly offering the basic services for oncology treatment, which reflects how provision is fragmented. It is necessary to redefine the concept of oncology service under a comprehensive care approach and the importance of enabling functional units, comprehensive treatment centers and other forms of care.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la situación actual de la oferta de servicios oncológicos en Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los servicios oncológicos para la atención de cáncer en población adulta e infantil, que cumplieron con los requisitos para su funcionamiento de acuerdo al Registro Especial de Prestadores de Servicios de Salud. La razón de casos por prestador se calculó a partir de la incidencia de cáncer estimada para Colombia por el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 1,780 servicios de salud oncológicos habilitados en el país relacionados con especialidades para la atención de pacientes con cáncer. 25 prestadores a nivel nacional contaron con los tres servicios habilitados: quimioterapia, radioterapia y cirugía. Cerca del 50% de la oferta se concentró en Bogotá, Antioquia y Valle del Cauca. Los departamentos de Putumayo y del grupo Amazonas, con excepción de Vaupés, no registraron servicios oncológicos. El 87.8% fue ofertado por Instituciones Prestadoras de Salud y el 12.2% fue provisto por profesionales independientes. El 66.7% de los servicios oncológicos eran de consulta externa, el 17.4% eran servicios de apoyo diagnóstico y complementación terapéutica y el 15.9% servicios quirúrgicos. El 87.9% de la oferta de servicios oncológicos en Colombia está en el sector privado. CONCLUSIONES: La relación entre los grupos de servicios es asimétrica, con pocos prestadores que ofertan de forma conjunta los servicios bases del tratamiento oncológico, lo cual refleja la fragmentación en la prestación. Es necesario redefinir el concepto de servicio oncológico bajo el enfoque de atención integral y la importancia de habilitar unidades funcionales, centros integrales de tratamiento y otras formas de atención.

Orthopaedic Surgeon Density in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: In the era of global surgery, there are limited data regarding the available surgical workforce in South Africa. METHODS: This aim of this study was to determine the orthopaedic surgeon density in South Africa. This involved a quantitative descriptive analysis of all registered specialist orthopaedic surgeons in South Africa, using data collected from various professional societal national databases. RESULTS: The results showed 1.63 orthopaedic surgeons per 100,000 population. The vast majority were male (95%) with under two-thirds (65%) being under the age of 55 years. The majority of the orthopaedic surgeons were found in Gauteng, followed by the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal. The majority of specialists reportedly worked either full time or part time in the private sector (95%), and the orthopaedic surgeon density per uninsured population (0.36) was far below that of the private sector (8.3). CONCLUSION: Interprovincial differences as well as intersectoral differences were marked indicating geographic and socio-economic maldistribution of orthopaedic surgeons. This parallels previous studies which looked at other surgical sub-disciplines in South Africa. Addressing this maldistribution requires concerted efforts to expand public sector specialist posts as well as quantifying the burden of orthopaedic disease in both private and public sectors before recommendations can be made regarding workforce allocation in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Medical perception of stroke care conditions in Brazil / Percepção médica sobre as condições para atendimento do AVC no Brasil

ABSTRACT Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death in Brazil. Neurologists' reports on the absence of adequate resources for stroke care are frequent; however, there are no objective data on this perception. Objective To assess the perception of neurologists of stroke care conditions in Brazil. Methods Neurologists from all over Brazil were surveyed by means of an anonymous questionnaire about the main shortcomings in stroke care, focusing particularly on physical structure and infrastructure (diagnostic methods, patient transport, availability of beds, multi-professional team). Results The main shortcomings are indicated: the worst conditions, among all items surveyed, were found in the public sector. In the private sector, conditions were better. Conclusions Care conditions are worse in the public sector with regard to both infrastructure and human resources. Future public health policies for the prevention and treatment of stroke should be formulated, taking into consideration neurologists' perceptions.

RESUMO O acidente vascular cerebral é atualmente a segunda causa de morte no Brasil. São frequentes os relatos de médicos neurologistas sobre a ausência de recursos adequados para o atendimento do AVC, no entanto, não existem dados objetivos sobre essa percepção. Objetivo Analisar a percepção de médicos neurologistas sobre as condições para o atendimento de AVC no Brasil. Métodos Neste estudo foi realizada pesquisa por questionário anônimo com médicos neurologistas de todo o Brasil, perguntando-se as principais deficiências para o atendimento, com foco na estrutura física, infraestrutura (métodos diagnósticos, transporte do doente, disponibilidade de leitos, equipe multiprofissional). Resultados As principais deficiências são apontadas; no setor público notou-se as piores condições, em todos os itens pesquisados. No setor privado, as condições são melhores. Conclusões As condições de atendimento são piores no setor público, tanto de infraestrutura quanto de recursos humanos. Futuras políticas de saúde pública para prevenção e tratamento do AVC deveriam ser elaboradas levando em consideração a percepção do neurologista.

Perceptions of and support for national health insurance in South Africa's public and private healthcare sectors.

INTRODUCTION: For the purpose of effective implementation of a National Health Insurance (NHI) policy it is necessary to have an understanding of the awareness and perceptions of and support for such policy among clients using the healthcare system. METHODS: The South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey asked household heads a series of questions on healthcare utilisation and access and collected information on knowledge and perceptions of and support for national health insurance. Comparisons are drawn between private sector healthcare users with medical aid and public sector healthcare users without medical aid, using descriptive and regression analysis. RESULTS: Inequalities in access to quality healthcare remain stark. Only 8.5% of private users had postponed seeking healthcare compared to 23.9% of public users (p < 0.001). Only 11.9% of public users were very satisfied with the quality of healthcare services compared to 50.2% of private users (p < 0.001). More than eighty percent of healthcare users however were of the opinion that NHI is a top priority. However, for healthcare users to sacrifice choice required a national health insurance that provides better quality healthcare, increasing the probability of support for an NHI with lower cost and full coverage by 10.1%. CONCLUSION: It is imperative to provide better quality healthcare services in the public sector for private sector users to be supportive of national health insurance. Concerted efforts are also required to develop a proper communication strategy to disseminate information on and garner support for national health insurance, both in the public and private healthcare sectors.

Governança regional do sistema de saúde no Brasil: configurações de atores e papel das Comissões Intergovernamentais / Regional governance of the health system in Brazil: configurations of actors and the role of the Interagency Commissions

Resumo O foco da análise é o papel exercido pelas Comissões Intergestores Regionais, considerando a diversidade de atores que influenciam a política de saúde em contextos regionais específicos. A pesquisa envolveu a realização de cinco estudos de caso em cada uma das macrorregiões brasileiras, com aplicação de 128 questionários a gestores, prestadores e representantes da sociedade civil, entre agosto de 2015 e agosto de 2016. Adotou-se a perspectiva comparada, considerando três eixos de análise: configurações de atores (governamentais e não governamentais; públicos e privados) nas decisões e conflitos regionais, dinâmica de funcionamento e atuação, e contribuições das comissões para a política e a organização do sistema de saúde. Verificou-se a diversidade de atores com alto grau de influência nas regiões e a função das Comissões Intergestores Regionais na coordenação das políticas e na resolução de conflitos. Estas favorecem a negociação intergovernamental e a organização do Sistema Único de Saúde frente à estrutura federativa brasileira. Contudo, possuem atuação limitada como espaço de governança regional da saúde, sendo incapazes de incorporar as diversas configurações de atores públicos e privados com poder e influência sobre as decisões de saúde.

Abstract The analytical focus is on the role of the Regional Interagency Commissions (CIR), considering the diversity of actors that influence health policy in specific regional contexts. The research involved conducting five case studies in each of the Brazilian macroregions, with the application of 128 questionnaires to public managers, service providers and civil society representatives, between August 2015 and August 2016. The comparative perspective was adopted, by considering three analytical approaches: the configuration of actors (governmental and non-governmental; public and private) on regional decisions and conflicts, operation dynamics and contributions of commissions to health system policy and organization. The results showed the diversity of actors with a high degree of influence in the regions and the role of the Regional Interagency Commissions in policy coordination and conflict resolution. The commissions favor interagency negotiation and the organization of the Unified Health System vis-à-vis the Brazilian federative structure. However, they have limited scope as a space for regional health governance and are unable to incorporate the different configurations of public and private actors with power and influence over health decisions.

A governança e a relação público-privado no cotidiano das práticas em municípios de pequeno porte / Health governance and the public-private relationship in small municipalities

Resumo No contexto institucional do sistema de saúde ressalta-se que a relação entre os setores público e privado ocorre, sobretudo, para a execução de serviços de saúde de média complexidade, principalmente nos municípios de pequeno porte (MPP). Assim, este artigo objetiva analisar a relação entre gestores públicos e prestadores privados no processo de governança regional, quanto aos fatores envolvidos na contratualização e nos mecanismos de gestão e planejamento das ações de média complexidade. Trata-se de um estudo de caso de natureza qualitativa, realizado em uma região de saúde do Paraná por meio de entrevistas com gestores públicos e privados, realizadas no período de dezembro de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017, e análise documental de instrumentos de gestão e tabelas de contratos firmados entre os mesmos. Os resultados apontam interdependência na relação de gestores públicos e prestadores privados; assimetrias de poder; interesses e benefícios, a depender da tipificação de contrato entre o município com o prestador; destacando-se vantagens e práticas clientelistas. O incipiente processo de planejamento e de medidas regulatórias pelos municípios da região e Estado demonstram a necessidade de investir em ações que favoreçam a governança, a capacidade regulatória de governos locais e o controle social nesta região.

Abstract Within the institutional healthcare system, the public and private sectors come into relationship mainly in the context of the execution of medium-complexity health services, especially in small municipalities (SMs). The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between public managers and private providers in the regional governance process with regard to the factors involved in the contracting process and management and planning mechanisms of medium-complexity actions. This is a qualitative case study conducted in a health region of the state of Paraná via interviews with public and private managers performed from December 2016 to February 2017. Documental analysis of management tools and price schedules in contracts between public and private managers was also performed. The results indicated interdependence in the relationship between public managers and private providers, power asymmetries, interests, and benefits, depending on the type of contract between the municipality and the provider and, of particular note, advantages and clientelistic practices. The incipient planning process and regulatory measures of the municipalities in the region and state indicate the need to invest in actions that favour governance, the regulatory capacity of local governments, and social scrutiny in this region.

The strategic defense of physician autonomy: State public health agencies as countervailing powers.

Advances in genetic testing and the aggressive marketing of genetic tests by commercial diagnostic laboratories have driven both consumer demand and the need for unbiased information about how tests should guide healthcare delivery. This paper uses the countervailing powers framework to explore the role of state public health agencies as arbiters of quality and safety, specifically through their efforts to encourage physicians to follow evidence-based recommendations for screening for hereditary cancers. Social scientists have often viewed actions by the state to regulate cost, quality, or safety as a threat to physician autonomy. This paper draws on case studies from two US states-Michigan and Connecticut-to better understand the specific role of state public health agencies, and especially whether their activities to encourage adherence to evidence-based recommendations bolster or subvert the interests of other parties in the healthcare arena. We find that lacking authority to compel provider to follow evidence-based recommendations, they improvised ways to foster compliance voluntarily, for example, by emphasizing the role of the physician as gatekeeper, thus affirming the importance of physician autonomy and clinical judgment. Both states also used public health surveillance data to make rare diseases visible and illustrate gaps between recommendations and practice. Finally, they both showed that following evidence-based recommendations could align the professional and market interests of healthcare stakeholders. Both states employed similar strategies with similar effects, despite substantial differences in the regulatory climate and organizational capacity. Taken as a whole, their activities orchestrated a countervailing response that checked the profit-seeking motives of commercial laboratories. Our findings demonstrate that rather than eroding physician autonomy, state action to monitor healthcare quality and encourage adherence to evidence-based recommendations can actually reinforce physician authority.

Health and health care in Israel: an introduction.

Starting well before Independence in 1948, and over the ensuing six decades, Israel has built a robust, relatively efficient public system of health care, resulting in good health statistics throughout the life course. Because of the initiative of people living under the British Mandate for Palestine (1922-48), the development of many of today's health services predated the state's establishment by several decades. An extensive array of high-quality services and technologies is available to all residents, largely free at point of service, via the promulgation of the 1994 National Health Insurance Law. In addition to a strong medical academic culture, well equipped (albeit crowded) hospitals, and a robust primary-care infrastructure, the country has also developed some model national projects such as a programme for community quality indicators, an annual update of the national basket of services, and a strong system of research and education. Challenges include increasing privatisation of what was once largely a public system, and the underfunding in various sectors resulting in, among other challenges, relatively few acute hospital beds. Despite substantial organisational and financial investment, disparities persist based on ethnic origin or religion, other socioeconomic factors, and, regardless of the country's small size, a geographic maldistribution of resources. The Ministry of Health continues to be involved in the ownership and administration of many general hospitals and the direct payment for some health services (eg, geriatric institutional care), activities that distract it from its main task of planning for and supervising the whole health structure. Although the health-care system itself is very well integrated in relation to the country's two main ethnic groups (Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews), we think that health in its widest sense might help provide a bridge to peace and reconciliation between the country and its neighbours.