Structuring Healthcare for Success: A Comparative Look at Centralized and Decentralized Models
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With healthcare systems under increasing strain, understanding how governance structures impact service quality and accessibility is crucial for shaping effective, sustainable policy reforms. This literature review examines centralized and decentralized health delivery models across Canada, focusing on efficiency, cost, innovation, management, communication, patient experience, and health outcomes. Centralized systems, such as single provincial health authorities, promise streamlined administration, lower non-clinical costs, and standardized practices that enhance electronic health record integration and facilitate the spread of initiatives across the province. These standardized procedures can strengthen accountability and lessen variances in care delivery. In contrast, decentralized models, such as those seen in British
Columbia’s regional health authorities and independently managed institutions offer greater local autonomy, flexibility, and tailored responses to community-specific challenges. This regionalized approach can foster innovation and ensure services are customized to meet the unique needs of diverse populations. By analyzing the strengths and limitations of both models, this review offers insights to guide policymakers in identifying the most effective structures and strategies for provincial healthcare delivery.
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Esmaeili, Z., & Sims, J. (2025, May). Structuring healthcare for success A comparative look at centralized and decentralized models. Paper presented at the 13th Annua.pdf
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- Conference paper: 10.5281/zenodo.17437319 (DOI)
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2025
References
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