title: [International comparisons of health systems].
abstract: International comparisons of health systems are widely used as a method for cross country learning, strategy development at the national level, and to demonstrate accountability. Comparisons may comprise entire health systems or subsystems within these, and may include many or few health systems. This paper describes strengths and weaknesses of different types of comparisons and methodological challenges involved in comparing different health systems. Finally, the paper emphasizes that caution must be exercised when transferring ideas from one system to another.
authors.affiliation: Afdeling for Sundhedstjenesteforskning, Institut for Folkesundhedsvidenskab, Københavns Universitet, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postboks 2099, DK-1014 København K, Denmark. misch@sund.ku.dk
authors.forename: Michaela Louise
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Schiøtz
authors.forename: Jes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Søgaard
authors.forename: Signild
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vallgårda
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krasnik
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006291:Health Policy; D006296:Health Services; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation