Performance Measurement and Management in Public Health Services : A Comparison of UK and Swedish Practice

The introduction of new forms of competition and improved management into public health services in the UK and Sweden have stimulated changes in costing and performance measurement (PM). In particular, the implementation of purchaser provider models has made the use of accounting information for performance measurement and pricing more widespread to enhance the accountability of operating level managers. Taking a service perspective on public health care, this paper compares and contrasts performance measurement and management practices in both countries using two case studies. Fitzgerald et al's (1991) quot;Results and Determinants Frameworkquot; for PM in Services is used to conduct 'gap analyses' and so draw lessons for improving the management of health service performance in both countries