Open University Press Decentralization in health care (Euorpean Observatory on Health Systems and Policies)

Decentralization has become a popular management strategy in many European health care systems. The term describes a wide variety of power transfer arrangements and accountability systems. The logic of decentralization is grounded in an intrinsically powerful idea; that smaller organizations, properly structured and steered, are inherently more agile and accountable than larger organizations. In a world where large organizations control wide swathes of both public and private sector activity, the possibility of establishing more locally operated, locally responsible institutions holds out great attraction. This text explores the capacity and impact of decentralization within European health care systems. It examines both the theoretical underpinnings as well as recent practical experiences, drawing upon both published literature and evidence collected directly from the field. The book also assesses the appropriateness of management processes within health systems for implementing a successful decentralization strategy. Decentralization in Health Care will appeal to health policy makers, postgraduates taking courses in health services management, HR, health policy and health economics, and human resource professionals. About the Author Richard B. Saltman is Associate Head of Research Policy at the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Vaida Bankauskaite is Research Fellow at the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Her research focuses on health care reforms and decentralization, inequalities in health, health care legislation and patients' rights. Karsten Vrangbaek is a lecturer at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.