InterQuality

Duration: 36 Months (December 2010 – December 2013) | Status: running non EPF-led project | Funding Programme: Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)

International Research on Quality in Healthcare

What is the project about?

The InterQuality project investigated the effects of financing systems on the quality of healthcare. Based on administrative and survey data, InterQuality seeks answers to how the healthcare systems are financed in Europe, what are their shortcomings and strengths, and how the healthcare financing reforms are communicated to the public by the main actors, namely the governments.

The rationale behind InterQuality is the acknowledgement that increasing healthcare spending often does not improve quality, efficiency or availability of medical services. The existing health financing reforms undertaken in Europe have encountered serious technical and political difficulties. It is therefore very much needed today to develop scientifically proven tools to help make decisions regarding the selection of appropriate financing mechanisms in different areas of the healthcare system.

The knowledge gained from the research will provide a valuable input for European countries to choose the right financing mechanisms in different areas of their healthcare systems, according to their needs and resources, and to pay not more, but smarter.

Project’s Objectives

1. Investigate ways of funding and incentive systems affecting the quality, effectiveness and equity of access to health care in four areas:
        • Pharmaceutical care
        • Hospital care
        • Ambulatory care
        • Integrated health care
2. Develop practical integrated models of health care financing
3. Determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed models for the determinants of the health systems in the countries of the project partners.

Expected Results

• An extensive literature review on the effect of financing schemes on the quality, efficiency and availability of healthcare services
• Guidelines, a set of adopted tools and outcome measures for further projects on healthcare quality evaluation
• Results of effects of patients’ education programmes on efficiency, quality and equity of healthcare
• Proposed model of more effective healthcare financing
• Policy recommendations and guidelines on the best models of healthcare financing

Consortium:

The project is led by the Medical University of Warsaw and implemented by a consortium of eight partners from the European Union and the United States.

• Medical University of Warsaw, Poland (WP2: Values/Benefits, WP3: Pharmaceutical care, WP8: Scientific coordination & Conclusion development, WP9: Management)
• Hanover Medical School, Germany (WP6: Integrated care)
• The Research Unit of Health Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
• University of Catania, Italy (WP4: Hospital care)
• Urban Institute Washington, USA (WP1: Incentives and payment models)
• University of York, UK (WP5: Outpatient, Home care)
• SOPHARM, Poland
• Standing Committee of European Doctors
• European Patients’ Forum (WP7: Dissemination)

EPF’s Role

EPF is involved as an associate partner and leads the work related to dissemination of project progress and results. EPF will ensure that the emerging evidence and project outcomes are shared with the target groups and, through wider dissemination, support the strengthening of healthcare financing system.

Impact on the patients' community

The InterQuality project intends to operate a shift from the current financing systems towards a better use of health care resources. Patients will benefit from this smarter approach to financing healthcare that will provide them with services adapted to their needs, while keeping the quality of care dimension.