Financing the Canterbury Health System post-disaster

Area of Science:

• Health services research
• Disaster health management
• Health economics

Background:

• The Canterbury Health System underwent significant transformation towards patient-centered, integrated care.
• The Christchurch earthquakes (2010-2011) posed long-term challenges to health system performance and sustainability.
• Existing health funding models have been questioned regarding their adequacy and appropriateness in post-disaster contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sustainability and affordability of Canterbury's patient-centered health system transformation post-earthquake.
• To advocate for a revised post-disaster health funding strategy.
• To analyze the impact of the 'business as usual' funding approach on the Canterbury Health System.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of health system performance and funding data in Canterbury.
• Comparison of Canterbury's funding increases with national averages.
• Assessment of the role of system integration and innovation in managing post-disaster health needs.

Main Results:

• The Canterbury Health System demonstrated improved performance despite earthquake impacts, largely due to ongoing integration and innovation.
• The current population-based funding formula is deemed problematic and insufficient for post-disaster recovery.
• Canterbury received $84 million in deficit funding, partially covering earthquake-related costs, but this would have been unnecessary with adequate funding increases.

Conclusions:

• A specialized post-disaster health funding strategy is crucial for population movement and increased costs.
• The 'business as usual' funding model is inadequate, and below-average funding increases are counterproductive.
• System integration and innovation were vital for meeting health needs, but sustainable funding is essential for long-term viability.