A system approach to health and social care integration: a theoretical proposal

Introduction: One of the key developments in the health policy literature at the international level over the last decades has been the theoretical articulation of the concept of health system.A system is an identifiable set of interdependent elements forming a purposeful whole and the interactions of the elements of the system make the system evolve.In its simplest form, the system is represented in terms of: inputs, functions, processes, outputs and outcomes.Thus, according to the 2000 World Health Report, entitled "Health Systems: Improving Performance", despite countries vary greatly in the way they organise their own health system, all health systems should pursue some combination of goals and objectives.Health systems are meant to reduce the burden of illness, impairment and disabilities among individuals in an equitable way and through processes that are deemed to be responsive to individual preferences and their dignity as human beings.Importantly, health systems should offer social protection against catastrophically costly illnesses.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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