Comparative health systems: a conceptual framework

This article presents a review of the conceptual frameworks utilized in comparing health care systems among countries. While much of the available literature remains descriptive, several structural features are becoming widely recognized and offer a basis for empirical study. The structural variables involving financing and reimbursement mechanisms are emphasized and the research centers on these structural arrangements as methods of cost containment. There are, however, more global or comprehensive approaches which offer a broader range of issues to be considered. Finally, the authors note the barriers and hindrances in attempting to develop and conduct comparative approaches to health care systems.