Pay For Performance (P4P) Programs in Health Services: What is the Evidence?

Overview

It is widely recognized that health care systems  in most countries are performing poorly. Resources  are being used in inefficient ways  and, in  many  instances, the health  services that  are needed most are not being produced.  Additionally, the cost  of  health services is increasing at an alarming rate.   Governments, private sectors, and health  insurance companies cannot afford  to pay  for necessary  health benefits.  As out of  pocket  payments increase, the problem  is  compounded.  These are among the major barriers in any attempt to expand health  care coverage.  

This report is part of a series, The World Health Report 2010 Background Papers, which were written to inform the process of developing the key messages of the World Health Report 2010: Health systems financing: The path to universal coverage.