Comparison of pay-for-performance (P4P) programs in primary care of
selected countries: a comparative study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pay for performance (P4P) schemes provide financial
incentives or facilities to health workers based on the achievement of
predetermined performance goals. Various P4P programs have been
implemented around the world. There is a question of which model is
suitable for p4p implementation to achieve better results. The purpose
of this study is to compare pay for performance models in different
countries. METHODS: This is a descriptive-comparative study
comparing the P4P model in selected countries in 2022. Data for each
country are collected from reliable databases and are tabulated to
compare their payment models. the standard framework of the P4P model is
used for data analysis. RESULTS: we used the standard P4P model
framework to compare pay for performance programs in the primary care
sector of selected countries because this framework can demonstrate all
the necessary features of payment programs, including performance
domains and measures, basis for reward or penalty, nature of the reward
or penalty, and data reporting. The results of this study show that
although the principles of P4P are almost similar in the selected
countries, the biggest difference is in the definition of performance
domains and measures. CONCLUSIONS: Designing an effective P4P
program is very complex, and its success depends on a variety of
factors, from the socioeconomic and cultural context and the healthcare
goals of governments to the personal characteristics of the healthcare
provider. considering these factors and the general framework of the
features of P4P programs are critical to the success of the p4p design
and implementation.