Table 3 Health system transformation and adaptation (Malta 2004–2014)
From: Europeanisation of health systems: a qualitative study of domestic actors in a small state
Health system change | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Description | Europeanisation | Mechanisms | Analysis |
Public health policies and strategies | Transformation | Non-binding EU communications, strategies, reportsParticipation in EU working groups | Domestic health policy-making process underwent significant change and a number of important health strategies were developed |
Cancer | Transformation | Non-binding EU Council Recommendation on Cancer Screening EU Funds for hospital, equipment and capacity building Participation in EU Joint Actions and networks Submission of health information statistics | Services in the area of cancer have been transformed through the development of a national plan, cancer screening services, training of health professionals and the constructions of a new oncology hospital |
Development of specialist training programmes for doctors | Transformation | Directive EU funds for capacity building | Transposition of legislation and establishment of medical specialist registers as well as structured post graduate training programmes |
Regulation of quality, safety and efficacy of medicines | Transformation | Directives EU funds for capacity building Participation in networks and working groups | Transposition of legislation and setting up of the competent authority to regulate the placing of medicines on the market |
Establishment of regulatory institutions with separation of regulatory and provider roles | Adaptation | Directives Participation in networks and working groups | Transposition of legislation and setting up of competent authorities for licensing providers and regulating public health standards |
Health statistics | Adaptation | Participation in networks and working groups Benchmarking (EUROSTAT regulations recently entered into force) | A good health information system was already in place prior to accession but EU legislation, policy and networking helped to strengthen it |