The Challenge of Context

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to explore the different healthcare systems operating globally in terms of the constraints within which they operate and the principles and values which underpin them. The chapter will also review how healthcare systems are predominantly defined by cost, quality and safety. While the principles of these healthcare systems are often espoused to and resonate with the public’s passion for their healthcare system, the values are often absent in contemporary debate. Regardless of the healthcare context there is a consensus that healthcare system have to change in order to improve [1–3] as variation in outcomes continues to be seen within and between countries [4]. Improvements in healthcare are more likely to succeed when led by clinicians rather than managers [3] and must be undertaken in partnership with patients, families [5, 6] and local communities [7]. In 2011 Sweden enacted a new patient safety law which offers everyone affected by healthcare—patients, consumers and health workers the opportunity to influence the health care system. This Swedish initiative should inspire those operating health care systems globally to strive to improve patient safety.