Healthcare systems in Europe and their relevance to Malta : a comparative analysis

Abstract

Purposes: This study holds up the Maltese healthcare system against that of France, Germany, Spain and the UK. The performance of each of these systems is evaluated and the value-for-money (VFM) drawn by each system is calculated. The study also determines what recent valueadding initiatives have been implemented in the Maltese healthcare system and what lessons can be applied from the other four countries. Design: The objectives of the study were addressed through a compilation of healthcare-related KPIs and the consequent development of a standard performance metric assessing various areas of healthcare systems. The VFM of each system was then determined through a scoring system appropriated along real healthcare expenditure per capita. Six interviews with key stakeholders in Maltese healthcare were carried out, to determine what value-adding initiatives have recently been implemented and to gain their insight as to what foreign practices can be applied to the Maltese context. Findings: This study determined that the Maltese healthcare system performs 4th best overall and 2nd best in terms of VFM. While enjoying excellent results in terms of access to healthcare, Malta performs poorly in terms of incidence of obesity and heart disease, highlighting the need for more education with respect to living a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: The analysis performed and discussions with interviewees concluded that while the Maltese healthcare system performs generally well across all areas; the sustainability of the system, obesity and heart disease are the most concerning issues facing Maltese healthcare. Implications: Further investment is required in health and lifestyle education. The sustainability of the system can be improved through increased investment in community care. Recent initiatives such as contracting out procedures to private operators have managed to improve access. However, a rigorous legislative framework is required to monitor PPP agreements in healthcare. Finally, further ICT investment coupled with an increased appreciation by healthcare professionals for ICT may radically improve the quality and responsiveness of the healthcare system.