In this NERI Research InBrief No. 91, Chris Smart, NERI economist discusses productivity in the context of healthcare. Please find connected Report Series No 38 'Market Education and Healthcare in the Irish Economy' and related blog.
Understanding productivity in the context of non-market services like healthcare can be challenging. Without a market price for inputs consumed and outputs produced, the challenge for policymakers and researchers is deciding which inputs and outputs should be measured, and how. Additionally, controlling for the outcomes of those using those health services, as well as accounting for more subjective and difficult-to-measure factors, such as user experience and stress among healthcare staff, is a key part of understanding productivity in a healthcare context. This InBrief examines some of the literature and research, both in an Irish and international context, in order to provide an introduction to this important policy discussion.