title: Priority-setting in health authorities: moving beyond the barriers. The Calgary experience.
abstract: The objective of this study was to identify key issues relevant to the development and implementation of a macro-level priority-setting framework (i.e., across broad service areas) within the Calgary Health Region. We used rigorous qualitative methods, including focus groups, meeting observations and interviews to identify views of decision-makers. Key issues relevant to macro-level priority-setting included: application of evidence, incentives, physician involvement, public involvement and application of values. Detailed insight into each of these issues was derived, including how best to handle related barriers to priority-setting in health organizations and important lessons for framework development. These lessons learned should provide insight for similar activity in other jurisdictions.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Improvement, BC Research Institute for Children's and Women's Health, Vancouver, Canada. cmitton@cw.bc.ca
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mitton
authors.forename: San
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patten
authors.forename: Cam
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Waldner
mesh_terms: D000416:Alberta; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006275:Health Facility Planning; D006292:Health Priorities; D006302:Health Services Research; D007324:Institutional Management Teams; D009313:National Health Programs; D012040:Regional Health Planning