Priority-Setting in Health Authorities: Moving beyond the Barriers The Calgary Experience

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify key issues relevant to the development and implementation of a macro-level priority-setting framework (i.e., across broad service areas) within the Calgary Health Region. We used rigorous qualitative methods, including focus groups, meeting observations and interviews to identify views of decision-makers. Key issues relevant to macro-level priority-setting included: application of evidence, incentives, physician involvement, public involvement and application of values. Detailed insight into each of these issues was derived, including how best to handle related barriers to priority-setting in health organizations and important lessons for framework development. These lessons learned should provide insight for similar activity in other jurisdictions. 2 Reflection upon recent and current priority-setting practices Focus group and interviews with senior managers and clinicians to critically reflect on current and historical macro-level priority-setting practices and to identify key components for inclusion in a macro priority-setting model.

Priority-setting for healthcare: Who, how, and is it fair?

“…Although published studies of single health care organizations or institutions exist [18,21], to our knowledge, this work represents the first attempt to compare several regional and provincial health authorities in a systematic way, assessing the role of the public in making resource allocation decisions and evaluating the fairness of such processes against a well-accepted ethical framework.…”

Overcoming barriers to priority setting using interdisciplinary methods

“…This version has been revised to include other barriers and facilitators originally described by Peacock[7] in the first evaluation of the PBMA approach and updated with new findings from PBMA evaluations and decision-maker surveys published since 2003[10][11][12].…”

Guide to strategic planning in critical care medicine

“…The main issues regarding prioritization are the following: evidence-based decision-making, incentives, physician involvement, public involvement and values. [7] These concepts apply to critical care medicine at a macro level. For evidence-based decisionmaking, educational initiatives may be implemented to improve quality.…”

“…This often serves as a checkpoint in the priority setting process. [7] 2.6 Formulate strategies to manage these issues If the strategy is implemented correctly, it will effectively link the organization to its environment. As per Bryson, strategy is an extension of an organization's mission.…”