Assessing health system responsiveness to the needs of older people

Abstract

Objective. To identify key indicators that will allow empirical measurement of a health system’s responsiveness to older people. Methods. We conducted a series of consultations with experts to develop a relevant list of indicators. Concept mapping was used to devise the list, including the steps of preparation, brainstorming and structuring. Additionally, four countries were used as national case studies to test the feasibility of measuring health system responsiveness with readily available national-level data (Barbados, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico). Results. Our study resulted in a list of 25 indicators scored with high usefulness for informing public policy, 10 of which were also categorized as being of high availability. National case studies were useful to assess the feasibility of measuring health system responsiveness in different settings. Conclusions. Responsiveness can be comprehensively assessed by (i) approaching the intrinsic features of the system via its inputs, outputs, and outcomes, and (ii) measuring the impact of the system on meeting the needs of older people in terms of their health, financial protection, and expectations. Further consensus is needed to develop a list of core indicators that could be used as a baseline for measuring a health system’s responsiveness to the needs of older people.

Promover el seguimiento de los sistemas de salud para prestar mejores servicios a la población de personas mayores

“…Los primeros pasos acerca de la herramienta sobre la visión de 360° del envejecimiento fueron publicados en la Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública (10). Los detalles sobre el proceso de tipo Delfos aún no han sido publicados.…”

“…En un informe reciente se publicó una descripción detallada de la primera etapa (10). En resumen, el equipo de la OPS sobre el envejecimiento saludable organizó una serie de consultas con expertos en sistemas de salud y en la atención a personas mayores a fin de elaborar una lista de indicadores necesarios para medir el desempeño de un sistema de salud con respecto a las personas mayores.…”

Promoção do monitoramento dos sistemas de saúde para atender melhor à população idosa

“…Os primeiros passos da ferramenta envelhecimento-360 foram publicados na Revista Pan-Americana de Saúde Pública (10). Os detalhes sobre o processo Delphi estão próximos de serem publicados.…”

Healthcare for older people in Central and South America

“…Developing consensus on key tracer indicators is ongoing to better target the needs of older populations in accordance with local realities of each health system. The results of integrative responsiveness assessments will be helpful to increase health systems’ efficiency and inform public policy to better suit an ageing world [ 15 ].…”