The book presents a background study of DRG-based payment systems, drawing on the experience of implementing such hospital funding arrangements internationally, including an overview of developments in the Asia and Pacific region. It underscores the need for countries to be clear about their...

The average length of stay in hospitals (ALOS) is often used as an indicator of efficiency. All other things being equal, a shorter stay will reduce the cost per discharge and shift care from inpatient to less expensive post-acute settings. The ALOS refers to the average number of days that...

OECD countries face a challenge in responding to the growing demand for doctors and nurses over the next 20 years. This arises in a world which is already characterised by significant international migration of health workers, both across OECD countries and between some developing countries and...