Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Definition and key concepts of high-performing health systems: a scoping review
Veronica Cho1, Joslyn Trowbridge1, Tyrone Perreira1
1Ontario Hospital Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Objectives:
To determine how high performing is defined in relation to a health system and chart the literature on the definitions and key concepts of high-performing healthcare systems.
Design:
Scoping review.
Data Sources:
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to July 2024. The grey literature was also searched.
Eligibility Criteria:
Included studies reported on health systems and high performance to identify explicit definitions, research outcomes and knowledge gaps.
Results:
Two reviewers independently screened 5721 citations and 507 full-text articles, resulting in the inclusion of 35 primary articles and 47 companion documents in the review. Three independent definitions for a high-performance health system were identified. 24 research studies reported outcomes on the elements of a high-performing health system (58%), system evaluation (32%) and tool development or validation (10%). Knowledge gaps identified were the lack of a common definition, a lack of common indicators, strategies for moving evidence into policy and practice, and difficulties with comparisons across health systems.
Conclusions:
We found limited definitions and a lack of empirical evidence on our topic. There is an opportunity for primary research in the area of health systems and high performance.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Integrated Healthcare System
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:29Concepts of Health and Illness
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...