Guidance of healthcare development for metastatic cancer patients as an example for setting incentives

Excerpt

A major challenge and matter of debate is how to break down and translate Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) goals effectively into national cancer care targets. To achieve UHC aims, cancer care delivery structures and processes need to be incentivized in an appropriate manner. In a recent editorial we argued that while the incentivizing effects of specific healthcare frameworks can achieve the intended targeted effects, there can also be unintended negative consequences caused by the healthcare framework itself, as well as by misleading or harmful prioritization of secondary individual interests by participants in the healthcare delivery system. These factors are highly dynamic within developing cancer care systems. Since healthcare frameworks for cancer care in low und middle income countries (LMIC) differ significantly from those in high income countries, establishing the right incentives is crucial, and needs to be adapted to the specific conditions in these countries. This is especially true for cancer patients with metastatic disease, due to their increased vulnerability and stronger dependence on specialist care. In this editorial we outline how financing models and insurance schemes impact on the efficacy of incentivization in LMIC, and the consequences this has on cancer care in these countries. …