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Opening the ‘black box’ of performance-based financing in low- and lower middle-income countries

A review of the literature

Bibliographic Data

ID14668244
AuthorsDimitri Renmans (0000-0001-7867-7503, University of Antwerp, corresponding author), Nathalie Holvoet (0000-0003-4413-1208, University of Antwerp), Christopher Garimoi Orach (0000-0002-5209-5529, Makerere University), Bart Criel (0000-0002-1452-0088, Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde)
Year2016
Volume31
Issue9
Pages1297-1309
Publication date2016-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Policy and Planning (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0268-1080 • E-ISSN: 1460-2237
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/heapol/czw045
PMID27126200
OpenAlexW2344619033
LanguageEN
Citations received46
References cited53

Although performance-based financing (PBF) receives increasing attention in the literature, a lot remains unknown about the exact mechanisms triggered by PBF arrangements. This article aims to summarize current knowledge on how PBF works, set out what still needs to be investigated and formulate recommendations for researchers and policymakers from donor and recipient countries alike. Drawing on an extensive systematic literature review of peer-reviewed journals, we analysed 35 relevant articles. To guide us through this variety of studies, point out relevant issues and structure findings, we use a comprehensive analytical framework based on eight dimensions. The review inter alia indicates that PBF is generally welcomed by the main actors (patients, health workers and health managers), yet what PBF actually entails is less straightforward. More research is needed on the exact mechanisms through which not only incentives but also ancillary components operate. This knowledge is essential if we really want to appreciate the effectiveness, desirability and appropriate format of PBF as one of the possible answers to the challenges in the health sector of low-and lower middle-income countries. A clear definition of the research constructs is a primordial starting point for such research.

Business · Developing country · Economic growth · Economics · Incentive · Low and middle income countries · MEDLINE · Microeconomics · Point (geometry) · Political science · Public economics · Public relations · Set (abstract data type) · Systematic review · Variety (cybernetics) · Computer Science · Global Maternal and Child Health · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Primary Care and Health Outcomes

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Unique citing works46
Citations per year5,11
Citation span2017 - 2025 (9)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 43
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