The Belgian Association of Hospital Directors (ABDH) has called on public authorities to reform healthcare, according to a white paper published on Thursday. The ABDH says it can no longer cope with increasing challenges.
"Without structural reform, the accessibility, cost and efficiency of healthcare are at risk," warned the ABDH, amidst rising care demands, staff shortages and financial issues.
A recent report by Belfius has warned that the majority of hospitals in Belgium are in a "precarious financial situation", having reported an overall financial loss for the first time in 2022.
Meanwhile, thousands took to the streets of Brussels in November t0 express their dissatisfaction with staffing shortages and high work pressure in the non-profit sector (which includes healthcare).
Slogans on healthcare pictured at a national demonstration in a common front by the public and non-profit sectors in Brussels, Thursday 7 November 2024. Credit: Belga / Eric Lalmand
"Our current approach lacks a coherent, integrated vision and is not sufficiently adapted to future needs and expectations," said the ABDH.
The association advocates a "fundamental transformation", emphasising a 'Value-based healthcare' (VBHC) approach. This model aims to sustainably improve outcomes that matter most to patients by optimising health resources and incurred costs.
"This can be achieved through standardising outcome and cost measures and using data to evaluate and compare performances within hospitals," explained the ABDH.
"Through this method, providers are encouraged to assist patients and the general population in improving health, preventing chronic diseases, and adopting the best practices based on solid evidence," it added.
Calling on public authorities
In the white paper, hospital directors also highlighted the responsibility of public authorities, the main funders of the healthcare system.
"Achieving this transition to VBHC requires a nationally-coordinated method. Considering the complexity of Belgium's healthcare structure, this is a significant challenge," it said.
The association has called for the creation of a federal coordination body responsible for the transformation.
"It is time to show ambition and adopt disruptive behaviour in the interest of patients, healthcare staff and society as a whole," concluded the ABDH.
