The critical issue of China's Hospital Reform was discussed by experts, academics and practitioners in Beijing in a symposium hosted by China-Europe International Business School and the UK Trade & Investment Section of the British Embassy.

There were over 100 participants from healthcare businesses, hospitals and government departments across China. 

Mr Andrew Dillon, EO of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), an independent but publicly funded research and advisory institute in the UK, highlighted the importance of engaging broadly with stakeholders and the community in the hospital reform process. He stressed that an open, fair, evidence-based consultation process was critical, stating that even if some policies were not popular, the decision-making process will be  respected, as evidenced from the UK experience.

Mr. David Ostler, CEO of United Health, UK spoke on "the use of technology and information to transform hospital care." He discussed how investment in technology and healthcare information exchange between hospitals vastly improves the quality of patient care.

Professor Gu Xin, School of Government, Peking University spoke about "new reform, new directions- transformation of public hospitals in China." He advocated separating hospital ownership from hospital management; allowing public hospitals to run as separate corporate entities. This would improve the quality of health services and patient careas well as improving payment mechanisms.

Professor Ma Xiemin, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, shared his views on "evaluating Chinese public hospitals' performance: progress and challenges." He highlighted in particular the adoption of a clinical pathway in China's public hospitals' approach. Professor Ma said "perceptions and our way of thinking" posed some of the biggest challenges to China's hospital reform, but he added that "with determination" the obstacles could be overcome.

, Mr. John Williams, Managing Director of SOS International  emphased that international providers will focus mainly on the "VIP" and "niche" areas of China's hospital system in the near term Over the next 10 years, he expects the reforms to trigger an improvement in standards and hospital infrastructure. He also stressed the immediate need for management training for doctors to ensure increased efficiency, improved infrastructure and to heightened service to patients.

Professor of Management Zhang Wei, from CEIBS, recommended that China's reform be value-based, arguing that the system should shift from being provider-centreed to population-centered. Improving insurance coverage and funding for public hospital should not overshadow the fundamental task of improving patient care, with the aim of patient relief.

Prof Zhang elaborated on the successful transformation of the VA health system in United States, to demonstrate the importance of central leadership and local innovation. "Increasing value for patients should be the ultimate goal of the reforms," he said.  Prof Zhang emphasised that "healthcare is business," stating that success depends on creating value through leadership, innovation, a patient-centred care model, clinical performance management, and the dissemination of quality information.

General Zhu Shijun ,Vice President of Chinese Hospital Association and Former President of No. 301 Military Hospital highlighted quality improvement in China's public hospitals to date. He discussed the quality improvement methods which have helped create a patient-oriented approach. He also underscored the importance of management tools and education to optimise the operation of public hospitals.

The symposium ended with a lively 40-minute open dialogue between guest speakers and members of the audience. Comments from the floor included the redefinition of the goals of healthcare services, physician's profession and economic dilemma, financial accountability in public hospitals, the implication of independent regulatory agency, and the prospect of public-private partnership in China's healthcare sector.

 

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