Technocratic recentralization in the French health care system: A critical evaluation

Abstract

Summary The French health care system implemented several corporate management recipes such as diagnostic‐related groups (DRGs), benchmarking, and activity‐based management in a bid to restore fiscal discipline and to “reassert the center.” The government also regrouped health policy decisions with the Regional Health Agencies and opted for a top‐down line of command to ensure policy implementation. Though reforms emphasized evidenced‐based policy and outputs measurement, outcomes were below expectations in many areas and led to a shift in values. Professional autonomy and patient engagement receded. This leads us to a critical evaluation of the French audit society.