Uncomfortable realities: the challenge of creating real change in Europe’s consolidating hospital sector

摘要: This article examines uncomfortable realities that the European hospital sector currently faces and potential impact of wide-spread rationalization policies such as (hospital) payment reform privatization. Review relevant international literature. Based on evidence we present, privatization will probably fall short in delivering better quality care lower growth health expenses. Reasons can be sought a mix effectiveness these policies. Nevertheless, pressures for different business models gradually continue to increase it seems safe assume more value-added process facilitated network eventually emerge. The overall argument this holds important implications future research: how policymakers generate adequate leverage introduce changes without destroying necessary capacity ability produce healthcare.