Bismarck or Beveridge: a beauty contest between dinosaurs
2007

Comparing Health Systems: NHS vs SSH

Sample size: 17 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jouke van der Zee, Madelon W Kroneman

Primary Institution: NIVEL (Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research)

Hypothesis

Are there systematic differences in health outcomes between NHS and SSH systems over time?

Conclusion

The study found that SSH systems perform slightly better in health outcomes, but NHS systems are more cost-effective and have lower health care expenditures.

Supporting Evidence

  • SSH systems have slightly better overall mortality rates and life expectancy since 1980.
  • NHS systems are more cost-effective with better cost containment.
  • Population satisfaction is higher in SSH countries compared to NHS countries.

Takeaway

This study looks at two types of health care systems in Europe and finds that while one type may help people live longer, the other type is better at saving money.

Methodology

The study used time series data from 17 European countries, analyzing health outcomes, health care costs, and population satisfaction from 1970 to 2003.

Potential Biases

International comparisons may be affected by differences in national definitions and data collection methods.

Limitations

The study is limited by the small number of countries and potential biases in data collection methods.

Participant Demographics

The study included data from 17 Western European countries.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-7-94

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