Health care prioritisation as political process and concept
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23990/sa.1909Abstract
The aim of this study is to clarify current use of the concept of health care prioritisation in scientific debate, and to analyse the concept's evolution over time. Despite an abundance of publications on the issue, little attention has been given to actual analysis of the concept. Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis model was adopted as a methodological frame for this analysis. The data was acquired from different databases (Medline, Cinahl, CSA), and consisted of both articles published during the period 1970–2002 (n = 41), and so-called classic articles in the field (n = 12). The data was analysed using inductive content analysis. The attributes of the concept were 1) a relation between two or more; 2) a process of fair and justified decisions; 3) complexity; 4) political and 5) change. The antecedents evolved temporally, reflecting societal changes. It was found that the consequences of prioritisation were considered somewhat controversial in the articles analysed. Over time, the concept, as such, has evolved in close relation to societal development. This concept analysis suggests that, in order to gain a solid basis for practical implications in health policy, further research and theory development on health care prioritisation, more development of the actual concept is required.
