Sara Machado, Ana Moura, Francisca Vargas Lopes, Diogo Marques, Luis Sa
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Problem: Comparing health policy measures before elections and identifying potential gaps in the health policy debate can be challenging.
Approach: We explored the use of the Health System Performance Assessment for Universal Health Coverage framework to analyse health policy proposals by classifying health policy measures outlined in political manifestos into four health system functions: governance, financing, resource generation and service delivery. As a case study, we analysed the political manifestos of all Portuguese parties with parliamentary representation ahead of the election in March 2024. We calculated the share of measures per health system function for individual political manifestos and identified potential gaps in the health policy debate. When required, we used additional classification criteria and local expertise on political and institutional knowledge.
Local setting: A snap general election was announced in Portugal in November 2023, following an alleged corruption scandal, and political parties began publishing their manifestos on their websites in January 2024.
Relevant changes: We identified and classified 350 health-related measures across the four functions: governance, 29.7% (104 measures); financing, 16.9% (59 measures); resource generation, 33.4% (117 measures); and service delivery, 20.0% (70 measures). These findings enabled characterization of the priorities of parties, facilitated cross-party comparisons and identified missing topics in the political debate.
Lessons learnt: We show that the framework can be adapted to analyse political manifestos, providing a systematic method for comparing and synthesizing health policy proposals. We further demonstrate the potential for extending the framework's applicability beyond health system performance assessment, opening new avenues for policy analysis.
期刊介绍:
The Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Journal Overview:
Leading public health journal
Peer-reviewed monthly journal
Special focus on developing countries
Global scope and authority
Top public and environmental health journal
Impact factor of 6.818 (2018), according to Web of Science ranking
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Essential reading for public health decision-makers and researchers
Provides blend of research, well-informed opinion, and news