Examining Payment Reform in British Columbia Hospitals
Author Information
Author(s): Jason M Sutherland, Kimberlyn M McGrail, Michael R Law, Morris L Barer, R Trafford Crump
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
Do activity based funding (ABF) policies affect health system costs, access, and hospital quality?
Conclusion
The study aims to provide evidence on the impacts of ABF on hospital activity and the broader health care system.
Supporting Evidence
- ABF is a method of funding hospitals based on the volume and type of services provided.
- B.C. is the first province in Canada to implement ABF for acute hospitals.
- The study will analyze data from 2005/2006 to 2012/2013.
Takeaway
This study looks at how changing the way hospitals are paid might change the care they provide and how much it costs.
Methodology
A longitudinal study design using comprehensive population-based datasets of all B.C. residents, linking hospital, continuing care, and physician services datasets.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding from reporting differences between provinces and hospital funding policy changes.
Limitations
The study cannot randomize hospitals to ABF and non-ABF groups, limiting the ability to isolate the effects of ABF.
Participant Demographics
Residents of British Columbia, approximately 4.5 million.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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