[Towards Unity for Health" criteria applied to medical centers in Belgium]

To describe the Belgian medical centers' experience against TUFH criteria. To identify convergences, strengths and weaknesses, and suggest explanations. To present current dynamics in medical centers.

Literature review on legislation, history, mode of operations and evaluations.

The convergence of the Belgian medical centers' experience with TUFH criteria is striking, particularly regarding the use of a reference population and territory and the use of health information. Capitation fee encourages health personnel to change attitudes. The Belgian federation of medical centers should play a greater role in the education of health personnel. Partnership is widely practised. Impact measurements are favourable but should be generalized.

The convergence between the TUFH approach and the one used by the Belgian medical centers, particularly in their integrated health centers has been demonstrated by use of TUFH criteria. While still a small fraction in the spectrum of health services in Belgium, though in steady progress, it is believed that integrated health centers should remain places for experiment on health care to help the entire system to reform.