Use of private hospital beds by public health systems in response to Covid-19

Abstract

In this study, we examined strategies adopted by countries with public health systems that expanded the supply of beds through the use of private hospitals in response to COVID-19. We used selected case studies to explore the institutional context in which measures were implemented, the management instruments used and how to characterize government action in eight countries: Australia, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Chile, Mexico, Peru, in addition to Brazil. This analysis can help to identify mechanisms of health system management that can control actions to respond to ESP situations, as well as improve the governance of health systems in the relationship between public and private sectors.