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Table 1 Definitions of categories used in the criteria map (based on the health system goals and building blocks)

From: Mapping of multiple criteria for priority setting of health interventions: an aid for decision makers

Category

Definition

Health system goals[14]

 

Health level

To improve the total average level of health in the population.

Health distribution

To achieve absence of avoidable or remediable differences in health among groups of people, defined socially, economically, demographically, or geographically.

Responsiveness

To use interventions that are responsive to people’s expectations in regard to non-health matters and reflect the importance of people’s dignity, autonomy and the confidentiality of information.

Social & financial risk protection

To provide financial protection against the costs of ill-health

Improved efficiency

To make the best and most efficient use of resources.

Health system building blocks[15]

 

Service delivery

Good health services are those which deliver effective, safe, quality personal and non-personal health interventions to those that need them, when and where needed, with minimum waste of resources.

Health workforce

A well-performing health workforce is one that works in ways that are responsive, fair and efficient to achieve the best health outcomes possible, given available resources and circumstances (i.e. there is sufficient staff, fairly distributed; they are competent, responsive and productive).

Information

A well-functioning health information system is one that ensures the production, analysis, dissemination and use of reliable and timely information on health determinants, health system performance and health status.

Medical products, vaccines & technologies

A well-functioning health system ensures equitable access to essential medical products, vaccines and technologies of assured quality, safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, and their scientifically sound and cost-effective use.

Financing

A good health financing system raises adequate funds for health, in ways that ensure people can use needed services, and are protected from financial catastrophe or impoverishment associated with having to pay for them. It provides incentives for providers and users to be efficient.

Leadership/governance

Leadership and governance involves ensuring strategic policy frameworks exist and are combined with effective oversight, coalition-building, regulation, attention to system-design and accountability.