Pagamentos por desempenho na atenção primária à saúde: uma revisão sistemática / Pay-for-performance in primary health care: a systematic review

Revisão sistemática acerca da efetividade da remuneração por desempenho na melhoria de indicadores de processo/resultado em programas e serviços de atenção primária à saúde. Realizou-se busca na PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, resultando em 22 estudos analisados quanto ao tipo de estudo, objetivo, qualidade da evidência e principais achados. Constatou-se que a remuneração por desempenho apresentou impacto na atenção clínica às doenças, acessibilidade aos serviços, melhoria nos processos de acompanhamento e rentabilidade da utilização e apresenta-se como estratégia potencial à indução de melhorias na qualidade nos serviços de saúde, ainda que consideradas suas limitações.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of pay for performance in the improvement process of indicators/results in primary health care programs and services. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library, resulting in 22 studies analyzed as to the type of study, objective, evidence quality, and main findings. It was found that the pay for performance impacted clinical care to disease, accessibility to services, improving the monitoring of processes, and profitability of use and presents itself as a potential strategy to induce improvements in the quality of health services, although considering its limitations.

Mudanças no financiamento da Atenção Primária à Saúde no Sistema de Saúde Brasileiro: avanço ou retrocesso? / Primary health care financing changes in the Brazilian Health System: advance ou setback?

Resumo Em 2019, o governo brasileiro lançou uma nova política para a Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Chamada de "Previne Brasil", a política modificou o financiamento da APS para municípios. No lugar de habitantes e de equipes de Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), as transferências intergovernamentais passaram a ser calculadas a partir do número de pessoas cadastradas em serviços de APS e de resultados alcançados sobre um grupo selecionado de indicadores. As mudanças terão um conjunto de impactos para o SUS e para a saúde da população que precisaram ser identificados e monitorados. Neste artigo, discute-se os possíveis efeitos da nova política a partir de uma breve análise de contexto sobre tendências globais de financiamento de sistemas de saúde e de remuneração por serviços de saúde, bem como dos avanços, desafios e ameaças à APS e ao SUS. Com base na análise realizada, entende-se que a nova política parece ter objetivo restritivo, que deve limitar a universalidade, aumentar as distorções no financiamento e induzir a focalização de ações da APS no SUS, contribuindo para a reversão de conquistas históricas na redução das desigualdades na saúde no Brasil.

Abstract In 2019, the Brazilian government launched a new Primary Health Care (PHC) policy for the Unified Health System (SUS). Called "PrevineBrasil", the policy changed the PHC funding for municipalities. Instead of inhabitants and Family Health Strategy (ESF) teams, intergovernmental transfers are calculated from the number of people registered in PHC services and the results achieved in a selected group of indicators. The changes will have a set of impacts for the SUS and the health of the population, which must be observed and monitored. In this paper, possible effects of the new policy are discussed from a brief context analysis of global trends in health systems financing and health services' remuneration models, as well as on the advances, challenges, and threats to PHC and the SUS. Based on the analysis, the new policy seems to have a restrictive purpose, which should limit universality, increase distortions in financing and induce the focus of PHC actions on the SUS, contributing to the reversal of historic achievements in reducing health inequalities in Brazil.

Novo financiamento para uma nova Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil / New funding for a new Brazilian Primary Health Care

Resumo O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar um debate sobre a nova política de financiamento para Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Brasil. Para desenvolvimento do método de pagamento foi realizado consulta da literatura nacional e internacional, além do envolvimento de gestores municipais, estaduais e federais da APS. O modelo final proposto é baseado em Capitação ponderada; Pagamento por desempenho; Incentivo para Ações Estratégicas. A capitação é ponderada por vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, aspectos demográficos e ajuste municipal, o pagamento por desempenho composto por um conjunto total de 21 indicadores e incentivos a ações estratégicas foi possível a partir da manutenção de alguns programas específicos. Os resultados das simulações apontaram para um baixo cadastro (90 milhões de brasileiros) para a cobertura estimada atual (148.674.300 milhões de brasileiros). Além disso, demonstraram um incremento imediato de recursos financeiros para 4.200 municípios brasileiros. Observa-se que a proposta do financiamento traz a APS brasileira para o século XXI, aponta para o fortalecimento dos atributos da APS e torna concreto os princípios de universalidade e equidade do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract This paper aims to present a debate on the new Brazilian Primary Health Care (PHC) funding policy. We consulted the national and international literature, and we involved municipal, state, and federal PHC managers to develop the payment method. The proposed final model is based on weighted capitation, payment-for-performance, and incentive for strategic actions. Capitation is weighted by the socioeconomic vulnerability, demographic aspects, and municipal adjustment, the payment-for-performance consists of an entire set of 21 indicators, and incentives for strategic actions were facilitated from the maintenance of some specific programs. The results of the simulations pointed to low registration (90 million Brazilians) for the currently estimated coverage (148,674,300 Brazilians). Moreover, they showed an immediate increase in financial resources for 4,200 Brazilian municipalities. We observed that the funding proposal brings Brazilian PHC into the 21st century, points to the strengthening of PHC attributes, and materializes the principles of universality and equity of the Unified Health System.

Indicadores de monitorização e desempenho nas unidades de saúde familiar e os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável na saúde (ODS 3): uma análise comparada em Portugal no período de 2013-2018 / Monitoring and performance indicators in family health units and the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) in health: a comparative analysis in Portugal in the 2013-2018 period

Resumo É considerável a escala da transformação necessária para alcançar todos os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS). O terceiro ODS (ODS3), explicitamente, está relacionado com a saúde, visando assegurar vidas saudáveis e bem-estar para todos, em todas as idades. Os Cuidados de Saúde Primários (CSP), neste contexto, constituem a espinha dorsal de um sistema de saúde que pode melhorar a saúde das pessoas, reduzir a despesa e diminuir as desigualdades. Uma forte orientação do sistema para os CSP deve ser temporalmente estável, desde a sua reformulação. Esta análise utiliza o estudo de caso instrumental. Este tipo de estudo de caso oferece a oportunidade de aprender sobre os acontecimentos. Analisamos e debatemos 13 indicadores, comparando ao longo do tempo, os resultados obtidos pela tipologia de unidades de saúde existentes em Portugal: USF-A, USF-B, UCSP, UCSP-M. Os resultados demonstrados são discrepantes, quando se comparam as USF e as UCSP e podem contribuir para o aprofundamento das desigualdades de acesso. Este é um problema que se relaciona com a governação clínica e não com o modelo de unidade de saúde. O empoderamento das coordenações e a melhoria de eficácia da gestão intermédia é aqui fundamental.

Abstract The scale of transformation required to achieve all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is considerable. The third SDG (SDG3) is explicitly health-related to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all, at all ages. Primary care (PHC), in this context, is the backbone of a health system that can improve people's health, reduce spending and inequalities. A robust system orientation towards PHC must be temporally stable since its reformulation. This analysis uses an instrumental case study. This type of case study provides the opportunity to learn about events. We analyzed and debated 13 indicators, comparing over time, the results obtained by the type of Portuguese health units: USF-A, USF-B, UCSP, UCSP-M. The results show some discrepancies when comparing USFs and UCSPs and may contribute to the deterioration of access inequalities. This is a problem related to clinical governance and not the health unit model. Empowering coordination and improving the effectiveness of middle management is crucial.

Monitoramento e avaliação dos atributos da Atenção Primária à Saúde em nível nacional: novos desafios / Monitoring and evaluation of Primary Health Care attributes at the national level: new challenges

Resumo A partir da criação de uma Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde (SAPS) no Ministério da Saúde em maio de 2019, cinco novos desafios foram trazidos para a gestão federal do SUS: a) ampliação do acesso da população às unidades de saúde da família, b) definição de um novo modelo de financiamento baseado em resultados em saúde e eficiência, c) definição de um novo modelo de provimento e formação de médicos de família e comunidade para áreas remotas, d) fortalecimento da clínica e do trabalho em equipe multiprofissional, e) ampliação da informatização das unidades de saúde e uso de prontuário eletrônico. Esse ensaio discute esses elementos à luz de um novo modelo avaliativo que, ao mesmo tempo, seja capaz de orientar o novo processo de financiamento da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Brasil. Este baseia-se na correção de distorções distributivas e também busca orientar maior efetividade e eficiência no investimento público e qualidade do serviço prestado à população. Através de estudos dos melhores exemplos internacionais e discussão com os representantes do Conselho Nacional de Secretários Estaduais de Saúde (CONASS) e do Conselho Nacional dos Secretários Municipais de Saúde (CONASEMS) e com apoio técnico do Banco Mundial, foi elaborada a proposta de novo modelo avaliativo e de financiamento da APS.

Abstract Five new challenges were brought to the federal management of SUS from the establishment of the Primary Health Care Secretariat (SAPS) in May 2019, as follows: a) to expand people's access to health facilities; b) to define a new financing model from health outcomes and efficiency; c) to define a new model of provision and training of family and community doctors for remote areas; d) to strengthen clinic and multi-professional teamwork; e) to expand computerization of health facilities and use of electronic medical records. This essay discusses these elements in light of a new evaluation model that also guides a new process of financing the Brazilian Primary Health Care (PHC). It builds on the correction of distributive distortions, and also seeks to guide greater effectiveness and efficiency in public investment and quality of service provided to the population. The proposal for a new PHC evaluation and financing model was elaborated through studies of the best international examples and discussion with representatives of the National Council of State Health Secretaries (CONASS) and the National Council of Municipal Health Secretaries (CONASEMS), and with technical support from the World Bank.

Revisión sistemática exploratoria de los mecanismos de pago en la atención del parto en países pertenecientes y no pertenecientes a la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico / A scoping review of the payment mechanisms in childbirth of country members and non-members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

INTRODUCCIÓN Los mecanismos de pago corresponden a la operacionalización de la función de compra en salud, incentivando comportamientos en los proveedores de servicios sanitarios. Resulta pertinente preguntarse cómo afectan la vía de resolución del parto, considerando el aumento generalizado en índices de cesárea a nivel global. OBJETIVO: Describir los mecanismos de pago existentes para la atención del parto en países miembros y no miembros de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico. MÉTODOS: Revisión sistemática exploratoria (scoping review). Se adoptaron los cinco pasos metodológicos del Joanna Briggs Institute. La búsqueda se realizó por las investigadoras de forma independiente, logrando la confiabilidad interevaluador (κ 0,96) en bases de datos electrónicas, otras fuentes de información, sitios web gubernamentales y no gubernamentales. Se tamizó en tres niveles, considerando literatura no mayor a 10 años de antigüedad, idioma inglés y español. Se analizaron los resultados considerando el funcionamiento del mecanismo de pago y sus efectos en prestado-res, seguros y beneficiarias. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo evidencia de 34 países (50% pertenecientes a la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico). El 64% con uso de más de un mecanismo de pago para el parto. Entre los mecanismos más utilizados están: grupos relacionados de diagnósticos (47,6%), pago por resultados (23,3%), pago por servicios (16,6%) y pago fijo prospectivo (13,3%). CONCLUSIÓN: Los países recurren a la arquitectura de los mecanismos de pago para mejorar indicadores en salud materno-perinatales. Es necesario explorar cuál sería la mejor combinación de mecanismos que mejora la provisión de atenciones de salud y bienestar de la población, en el campo de la salud sexual y reproductiva.

INTRODUCTION: Payment mechanisms serve to put into operation the function of purchasing in health. Payment mechanisms impact the decisions that healthcare providers make. Given this, we are interested in knowing how they affect the generalized increase of C-section rates globally. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to describe existing payment mechanisms for childbirth in countries members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and non-members. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review following the five methodological steps of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search was conducted by researchers independently, achieving inter-reliability among raters (kappa index, 0.96). We searched electronic databases, grey literature, and governmental and non-governmental websites. We screened on three levels and included documents published in the last ten years, in English and Spanish. RESULTS: were analyzed considering the function of the reimbursement mechanism and its effects on providers, payers, and beneficiaries. Results Evidence from 34 countries was obtained (50% OECD members). Sixty-four percent of countries report the use of more than one payment mechanism for childbirth. Diagnosis-Related Groups (47.6%), Pay-for-performance (23.3%), Fee-for-service (16.6%) and Fixed-prospective systems (13.3%) are among the most frequently used mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Countries use payment mechanism architecture to improve maternal-perinatal health indicators. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the best combination of mechanisms that improve the provision of health care and welfare of the population in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

Portuguese Primary Care physicians response rate in surveys: A systematic review / Taxa de respostas dos médicos de família portugueses a questionários: uma revisão sistemática

Summary Introduction: Surveys are a useful tool in primary care. However, low response rates can introduce selection bias, impairing both external and internal validity. The aim of this study was to assess the average response rate in surveys with Portuguese general practitioners (GPs). Method: We searched the Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PsychInfo, SciELO, IndexRMP, RCAAP, Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Acta Médica Portuguesa and the proceedings of conferences of general practice from incepton to December 2016. We included all postal, e-mail, telephone and personal surveys to primary care physicians without language restrictions. We did not assess risk of bias of included studies, since the main outcome was survey response rate. We performed planned subgroup analyses of the use of monetary incentives, the use of non-monetary incentives, survey delivery modes and prior contact with participants. Results: A total of 1,094 papers were identified and 37 studies were included in this review. The response rate in surveys done to Portuguese GPs was 56% (95CI 47-64%). There was substantial heterogeneity among included studies (I2=99%), but subgroup analysis did not explain this heterogeneity. Conclusion: Consistent with other published studies, the average response rate in surveys done with Portuguese GPs was 56%, with substantial variation among studies. Use of monetary incentives, one of the most effective strategies to increase response rates, was not present in any of the included studies.

Resumo Introdução: Questionários são úteis na investigação em cuidados de saúde primários. Contudo, baixas taxas de resposta podem introduzir um viés de seleção, prejudicando a validade externa e interna. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a taxa de resposta média a questionários aplicados a médicos de família (MF) portugueses. Método: Foram pesquisadas as bases de dados Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PsychInfo, SciELO, IndexRMP, RCAAP, Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Acta Médica Portuguesa e resumos em conferências de medicina familiar do início até dezembro de 2016. Incluiram-se estudos realizados a médicos de família portugueses independentemente de sua tipologia, do tipo de entrega (correio, e-mail, pessoalmente e por telefone) e do idioma do artigo. Não foi avaliado o risco de viés dos artigos porque o principal resultado considerado foi a taxa de resposta. Foram efetuadas análises de subgrupos sobre a utilização de incentivos monetários, de incentivos não monetários, o modo de entrega e o contato prévio com os participantes. Resultados: Foram identificados 1.094 artigos e incluídos 37 estudos. O número de participantes em cada estudo variou entre 13 e 2.815 participantes. A taxa de resposta média foi de 56% (IC95% 47-64%). Identificou-se uma heterogeneidade substancial (I2=99%) não explicável pela análise de subgrupos. Conclusão: A taxa de resposta média a inquéritos realizados a MF portugueses foi de 56%, o que corresponde aos valores identificados em revisões internacionais, apesar da variação significativa entre os estudos englobados nesta revisão. O uso de incentivos monetários, uma das estratégias mais eficazes para aumentar as taxas de resposta, não foi identificado em qualquer dos estudos incluídos.

Pagos por desempeño para mejorar el estado nutricional infantil: impacto de los convenios de apoyo presupuestario en tres regiones peruanas con alta prevalencia de desnutrición crónica infantil, 2010-2014 / Payment by performance to improve the nutritional status of children: impact of budget support agreements in three peruvian regions with a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition in children in 2010-2014

RESUMEN Objetivos. Estimar el impacto de un esquema de pago por desempeño, denominado convenios de apoyo presupuestario, aplicado por el Gobierno a las tres regiones con mayores tasas de desnutrición crónica infantil (DCI) en 2008, Apurimac, Ayacucho y Huancavelica, sobre indicadores de cobertura de servicios de cuidado infantil (vacunación, controles de crecimiento y desarrollo infantil, suplemento de hierro) y del estado nutricional del niño (desnutrición, anemia, diarrea). Mediante estos convenios se transferían recursos a los presupuestos de dichas regiones condicionados al cumplimiento de compromisos de gestión y metas de cobertura con el objetivo de mejorar el estado nutricional infantil. Materiales y métodos. A partir de los datos de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar de 2008 a 2014, se compara la evolución en los indicadores evaluados de una muestra de niños que residen en los ámbitos donde se suscribieron los convenios y una muestra de control, mientras los convenios estuvieron vigentes y en los años posteriores para reportar el estimador de diferencias en diferencias del impacto promedio de los convenios Resultados. se encuentran impactos positivos sobre el incremento de coberturas de vacunas del esquema básico y de la vacuna rotavirus y, a través de ellos, en la reducción de la ocurrencia de diarrea y desnutrición. Conclusiones. el esquema habría sido efectivo en activar la cadena mayor cobertura de vacunas y menor DCI, pero no parece mejorar la cobertura de otras prestaciones como las atenciones de crecimiento y desarrollo del niño y entrega de suplementos de hierro al niño y gestante.

ABSTRACT To estimate the impact of a payment scheme by performance, known as a budget support agreement, applied by the government in three regions in Peru with the highest rates of chronic malnutrition (CM) in children in 2008-Apurimac, Ayacucho, and Huancavelica-on indicators of health service coverage (immunization, childhood growth and development, and iron supplementation) and the nutritional status of children (malnutrition, anemia, and diarrhea). These agreements were used to transfer resources to the budgets of these regions with the condition of fulfilling management commitments and coverage goals with a view toward improving the nutritional status of children. Materials and methods. Based on data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey conducted from 2008 to 2014, evolution of the indicators in a sample of children residing in the areas where the support programs were signed was compared to that of a control sample in the period in which the agreements were in force and in the subsequent years to estimate differences in the impact of this support strategy. Results. There was a positive impact of the programs on the increase in vaccination coverage provided by the basic health system and rotavirus vaccination, which consequently reduced the rates of diarrhea and malnutrition. Conclusions. The scheme was effective in increasing the vaccination coverage and reducing CM but did not seem to improve the coverage of other benefits, including childhood growth and iron supplementation to children and mothers.

Análise dos atributos dos cuidados primários em saúde utilizando os prontuários eletrônicos na cidade do Rio de Janeiro / Analysis of the attributes of primary health care using the electronic medical records in the city of Rio de Janeiro

Resumo A epidemiologia desempenha um papel estratégico neste estágio do ciclo de política, contribuindo para o estabelecimento de metas, alocação de recursos e uso de sistemas de informação. Em 2009, a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro iniciou uma reforma do modelo de atenção, utilizando como principal influência o conceito de Atenção Primária em Saúde. Este estudo avalia a tendência de indicadores selecionados do "pay-for-performance" que mensuram o processo de cuidado em saúde na APS da cidade. Estudo de painéis repetidos, a partir dos registros administrativos e clínicos dos prontuários eletrônicos no período de 2012 a 2016. Foram escolhidos sete indicadores que analisaram o desempenho longitudinal dentro da meta estabelecida, entre aqueles que representam acesso, longitudinalidade, coordenação do cuidado - atributos da APS, assim como outras características dos serviços como desempenho assistencial e eficiência econômica. Este estudo demonstrou que a descentralização da gestão para níveis mais próximos do usuário é potencialmente exitoso para o registro de dados clínicos, caso seja realizado um adequado monitoramento dos indicadores, auditorias clínicas frequentes e realizado periodicamente um "feedback" aos profissionais de saúde com os dados e indicadores acompanhados.

Abstract Epidemiology plays a strategic role at this stage of the policy cycle, contributing to goal setting, resource allocation and use of information systems. In 2009, the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro initiated a reform of the health care model under the main influence the Primary Health Care concept. This study evaluates the trend of selected pay-for-performance indicators that measure the health care process in the city's PHC. This a study on repeated panels, from the administrative and clinical records of electronic medical records in the period from 2012 to 2016. We selected seven indicators that analyzed longitudinal performance within the established goal, among those that represent access, longitudinality, coordination of care - APS attributes, as well as other characteristics of the services, such as care performance and economic efficiency. This study demonstrated that management decentralization to levels closer to the user is potentially successful for the recording of clinical data under an adequate monitoring of indicators, regular clinical audits and feedback to health professionals, along with data and indicators monitoring.

Reviews of Pay-for-Performance and Suggestion for Korean Value Incentive Program / 보건행정학회지

The effort to measure and improve the quality of healthcare is a common health policy issue worldwide. Korean Value Incentive Programme is one of that effort, but some concerns exist. Compared to pay for performance program in other countries, it measures healthcare quality with relatively narrow performance domain using a small number of clinical indicators. It was designed without involving hospitals and other key stakeholder, and program participation was mandated. Highest and lowest performers get bonus and penalty using relative ranking. As a suggestion for development, the direction for quality management at the national level should be given first. Therefore the philosophy or strategy for quality improvement should be reflected to the program. And various domains and indicators of healthcare quality should be developed with active communication with healthcare providers. The evaluation method is necessary to be changed to provide achievable goal to the healthcare providers and attract quality improvement.

Pagamento por desempenho em sistemas e serviços de saúde: uma revisão das melhores evidências disponíveis / Pay-for-performance in health care services: a review of the best evidence available

O Pagamento por Desempenho (P4P) é usado em todo o mundo visando à melhoria dos resultados em saúde, e no Brasil é base do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade (PMAQ), lançado pelo Ministério da Saúde, em 2011. Revisou-se a literatura publicada entre 1998 e janeiro de 2013, sobre a efetividade do P4P, para produzir resultados ou padrões de acesso e qualidade na saúde. Foram recuperados e analisados 138 estudos, sendo incluídos 41 (14 revisões sistemáticas, 7 ensaios clínicos e 20 estudos observacionais). Estudos mais rigorosos foram menos favoráveis ao P4P, enquanto estudos observacionais apontaram efeitos positivos do P4P sobre a qualidade e o acesso nos serviços de saúde. Limitações metodológicas dos estudos observacionais podem ter contribuído para tais resultados, mas a variedade de resultados está mais ligada aos aspectos conceituais e contextuais dos esquemas de P4P avaliados, reforçando a heterogeneidade de modelos e resultados do P4P. O P4P pode ser útil para promover o alcance de objetivos em sistemas de saúde, especialmente no curto prazo e para ações pontuais que exijam menos esforço dos provedores de serviços de saúde, mas deve ser utilizado com cautela e com planejamento rigoroso do modelo, considerando-se também efeitos indesejáveis ou adversos.

Pay-for-performance (P4P) has been widely used around the world seeking to improve health outcomes, and in Brazil it is the basis of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality (PMAQ). The literature published between 1998 and January 2013 that evaluated the effectiveness of P4P to produce results or patterns of access and quality in health was scrutinized. A total of 138 studies, with the inclusion of a further 41 studies (14 systematic reviews, 07 clinical trials and 20 observational studies) were retrieved and analyzed Among the more rigorous studies, favorable conclusions for P4P were less frequent, whereas observational studies were more favorable to positive effects of P4P on the quality of, and access to, health services. Methodological limitations of observational studies may have contributed to these results, but the range of results is more linked to the conceptual and contextual aspects of the use of the P4P schemes reviewed, the heterogeneity of P4P models and results. P4P can be helpful in promoting the achievement of objectives in health care systems, especially in the short term and for specific actions requiring less effort of health care providers, but should be used with caution and with a rigorous planning model, also considering undesirable or adverse effects.

Pay-for-performance and efficiency in primary oral health care practices in Chile / Pago por desempeño y eficacia de las prácticas de atención sanitaria primaria oral en Chile

Background Payment mechanisms for health care providers have been used as a strategy to improve management, health indicators, cost containment, equity and efficiency. Among the mechanisms implemented in the past decade is pay-for-performance (P4P). In Chile, it was incorporated since 2003 in primary care in addition to the salary by seniority and training. Objectives To assess the impact of P4P on the efficiency of primary oral health care providers in Chile. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare the performance of oral healthcare practices belonging to primary health providers measured by the rate of dental discharge in 6 year-old children between years in which P4P was used and years in which P4P was not used, in the 52 municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of Chile. We also explored whether rurality, and the human development index (HDI) had an association with the efficiency of health care teams. We calculated the rate of discharge per 1000 patients, and its adjusted and unadjusted association with the predictors of interest, using a Random-effects Poisson regression. Results We found statistically significant differences in the rate of dental discharges when comparing P4P versus no P4P (822.59/1000 and 662.59/1000, respectively, p < 0.0001) and high versus low HDI (692.23/1000 and 832.85/1000, respectively, p = 0.01). Rurality was not statistically associated with P4P (727.24/1000 in rural and 770.19/1000 in urban municipalities, p = 0.553). Unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios were very similar. Conclusions P4P financial incentives can improve the performance of primary care dental practices, and seem to be useful interventions to improve the performance of oral health care providers.

Antecedentes Se han venido utilizando mecanismos de pago a los profesionales de la atención sanitaria para mejorar la gestión, los indicadores sanitarios, la contención de costes, la equidad y la eficacia. Entre los mecanismos introducidos en el último decenio se encuentra el pago por desempeño- pay for performance (P4P). En Chile, se lleva incorporando a la atención primaria desde 2003, además del salario por antigüedad y la formación. Objetivos Evaluar el impacto del P4P sobre la eficacia de los profesionales de la atención sanitaria oral primaria en Chile. Métodos Realizamos el estudio comparativo de un grupo, para comparar el desempeño de las prácticas de los cuidados sanitarios orales de los profesionales de la salud primaria, medido mediante el índice de las altas dentales en niños de seis años, entre los años en que se utilizó el P4P y los años en que no, en cincuenta y dos municipios de la región metropolitana de Chile. También exploramos si la ruralidad y el índice de desarrollo humano (IDH) estaban asociados a la eficacia de los equipos de atención sanitaria. Calculamos el índice de altas por 1000 pacientes, y su asociación ajustada y no ajustada a los predictores del interés, utilizando el modelo de regresión de los efectos aleatorios de Poisson. Resultados Encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el índice de altas dentales al comparar P4P frente a no P4P (822,59/1000 y 662,59/1000, respectivamente, p < 0,0001), y el elevado frente al bajo IDH (692,23/1000 y 832,85/1000, respectivamente, p = 0,01). La ruralidad no estuvo estadísticamente asociada al P4P (727,24/1000 en municipios rurales y 770,19/1000 en municipios urbanos, p = 0,553). Los ratios no ajustados y ajustados fueron muy similares. Conclusiones Las incentivas financieras P4P pueden mejorar el desempeño de las prácticas de atención primaria dental, y parecen resultar unas intervenciones útiles para mejorar el desempeño de los profesionales de la atención sanitaria oral.

Payment reform for the improvement of primary care in Korea

Strengthening primary care has always been a major policy issue in most developed countries to achieve the health care system's goals, and policy makers continuously try to use payment system as an effective tool to improve overall performance of primary care. In this paper, we examined the various payment methods and growing trends in primary care payment system in some developed countries. Overall, a common form of payment for primary care doctors is a blend of fee-for-service (FFS), capitation, and pay-for-performance (P4P). In addition, many countries are still in the way of many new trials to find the right way to provide primary care service effectively, to meet the complex health care needs of populations. In Korea, primary care system is not well-established, and other institutional arrangements are not in good conditions for primary care, either. FFS, which is a dominant payment method in Korea, is not favorable for achieving good attributes of primary care. Mixing various payment components, like capitation, P4P to current FFS is essential to provide the optimal incentive structures for primary care physicians. Also, new models to encourage doctor-patient relationships with appropriate P4P mechanisms could be used as an early step in reforming primary care payment system gradually.

Payment for performance in the Family Health Programme: lessons from the UK Quality and Outcomes Framework / Pagamento para desempenho no Programa Saúde da Família: lições do Quality and Outcomes Framework da Inglaterra

OBJECTIVE: Payment for performance financial incentive schemes reward doctors based on the quality and the outcomes of their treatment. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health is looking to scale up its use in public hospitals and some municipalities are developing payment for performance schemes even for the Family Health Programme. In this article the Quality and Outcomes Framework used in the UK since 2004 is discussed, as well as its experience to elaborate some important lessons that Brazilian municipalities should consider before embarking on payment for performance scheme in primary care settings.

OBJETIVO: Esquemas de pagamento para desempenho recompensam o médico baseado na qualidade e no resultado do tratamento dos seus pacientes. O Ministério da Saúde brasileiro analisa seu uso em hospitais públicos e alguns municípios estão desenvolvendo estratégias de pagamento por desempenho para o Programa de Saúde da Família. No artigo discute-se o Quality and Outcomes Framework - esquema de pagamento para desempenho usado no Reino Unido desde 2004, bem como sua experiência para elaborar algumas lições importantes que os municípios brasileiros devem considerar antes de empreender o esquema de pagamento por desempenho na atenção primária.

Designing an Effective Pay-for-performance System in the Korean National Health Insurance / 예방의학회지

The challenge facing the Korean National Health Insurance includes what to spend money on in order to elevate the 'value for money.' This article reviewed the changing issues associated with quality of care in the Korean health insurance system and envisioned a picture of an effective pay-for-performance (P4P) system in Korea taking into consideration quality of care and P4P systems in other countries. A review was made of existing systematic reviews and a recent Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development survey. An effective P4P in Korea was envisioned as containing three features: measures, basis for reward, and reward. The first priority is to develop proper measures for both efficiency and quality. For further improvement of quality indicators, an electronic system for patient history records should be built in the near future. A change in the level or the relative ranking seems more desirable than using absolute level alone for incentives. To stimulate medium- and small-scale hospitals to join the program in the next phase, it is suggested that the scope of application be expanded and the level of incentives adjusted. High-quality indicators of clinical care quality should be mapped out by combining information from medical claims and information from patient registries.

Lessons From Healthcare Providers' Attitudes Toward Pay-for-performance: What Should Purchasers Consider in Designing and Implementing a Successful Program? / 예방의학회지

We conducted a systematic review to summarize providers' attitudes toward pay-for-performance (P4P), focusing on their general attitudes, the effects of P4P, their favorable design and implementation methods, and concerns. An electronic search was performed in PubMed and Scopus using selected keywords including P4P. Two reviewers screened target articles using titles and abstract review and then read the full version of the screened articles for the final selections. In addition, one reference of screened articles and one unpublished report were also included. Therefore, 14 articles were included in this study. Healthcare providers' attitudes on P4P were summarized in two ways. First, we gathered their general attitudes and opinions regarding the effects of P4P. Second, we rearranged their opinions regarding desirable P4P design and implementation methods, as well as their concerns. This study showed the possibility that some healthcare providers still have a low level of awareness about P4P and might prefer voluntary participation in P4P. In addition, they felt that adequate quality indicators and additional support for implementation of P4P would be needed. Most healthcare providers also had serious concerns that P4P would induce unintended consequences. In order to conduct successful implementation of P4P, purchaser should make more efforts such as increasing providers' level of awareness about P4P, providing technical and educational support, reducing their burden, developing a cooperative relationship with providers, developing more accurate quality measures, and minimizing the unintended consequences.

Korean National Health Insurance Value Incentive Program: Achievements and Future Directions / 예방의학회지

Since the reformation of the National Health Insurance Act in 2000, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) in the Republic of Korea has performed quality assessments for healthcare providers. The HIRA Value Incentive Program (VIP), established in July 2007, provides incentives for excellent-quality institutions and disincentives for poor-quality ones. The program is implemented based on data collected between July 2007 and December 2009. The goal of the VIP is to improve the overall quality of care and decrease the quality gaps among healthcare institutions. Thus far, the VIP has targeted acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and Caesarian section (C-section) care. The incentives and disincentives awarded to the hospitals by their composite quality scores of the AMI and C-section scores. The results of the VIP showed continuous and marked improvement in the composite quality scores of the AMI and C-section measures between 2007 and 2010. With the demonstrated success of the VIP project, the Ministry of Health and Welfare expanded the program in 2011 to include general hospitals. The HIRA VIP was deemed applicable to the Korean healthcare system, but before it can be expanded further, the program must overcome several major concerns, as follows: inclusion of resource use measures, rigorous evaluation of impact, application of the VIP to the changing payment system, and expansion of the VIP to primary care clinics.

Improving quality of healthcare in Korea

Korea has achieved a remarkable expansion in health coverage at modest costs relative to other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Hospitals are more accessible and equipped with more advanced medical technologies than in most other OECD countries. OECD Reviews of Health Care Quality seek to support the development of better policies to improve the quality of healthcare. In 2012, a report on Korea presented best practices and offered recommendations for improvement in the Korean health system. Korea's health care system needs to shift its focus from simply supporting an ever-continuing expansion of acute care services to quality of healthcare. First, Korea needs to strengthen the focus of governance to the quality of healthcare by establishing HIRA as an institutional champion for quality. Second, Korea must strengthen primary healthcare because in Korea it is woefully underdeveloped today. Third, Korea must use financing to drive improvements in quality of care. In reality, HIRA has used its power over healthcare providers to force them to accept financial constraints; it has not supported quality of all healthcare sectors. Without structural changes allowing for independent judgment on the quality at HIRA, NECA is more suitable for ensuring quality for all healthcare sectors. As suggested by the OECD report, Korea must strengthen primary healthcare by restoring patients' trust in health professionals. In using financing to drive improvements in quality of healthcare, Pay for Performance may be helpful, but that must be driven on a voluntary basis and with a great financial incentive.