Sustainability of the Healthcare System and Quality of Care

Article by Dr Manel Santiñà, Past President of the Spanish Society for Healthcare Quality (SECA)

The sustainability of the healthcare system

The sustainability of the healthcare system and the quality of care are two fundamental pillars for ensuring that healthcare is effective, equitable and enduring over time. Although they may sometimes seem to be conflicting objectives (cost savings vs. maximum quality), they are actually complementary if managed properly.

Healthcare sustainability refers to the healthcare system’s ability to maintain its services over time, responding to the needs of the population without compromising the resources of future generations. Key factors include:

• Adequate and equitable financing: A stable and fair financing system (taxes, contributions, co-payments) that guarantees universal coverage.
• Efficient resource management: Rational use of medicines, optimisation of infrastructure, reduction of unnecessary tests and duplication.
• Ageing population: Increased demand for care and chronic diseases which require sustainable models of continuous care.
• Innovation and technology: Incorporate technologies (telemedicine, AI, electronic health records) that improve efficiency without driving up costs.
• Environmental sustainability: Reduction of hospital waste, energy efficiency, and green policies in healthcare management.

Quality of care

Quality of care is the degree to which healthcare services increase the likelihood of achieving desired health outcomes, in accordance with scientific evidence and respecting patient values.

Relationship between sustainability and quality of care

The current challenges that could compromise the sustainability of the NHS are mainly:

• Ageing population and chronicity.
• Shortage of healthcare professionals.
• Increase in pharmaceutical and technological expenditure.
• Digital divide and territorial inequalities.
• Climate crisis and environmental sustainability in hospitals.

The role of SECA

The Spanish Society for Healthcare Quality (SECA) plays a very important role in the sustainability of the NHS, because it acts as a bridge between scientific evidence, health management and clinical practice, promoting better quality care without compromising efficiency or equity.

Relationship between quality of care and sustainability according to SECA

Working with tools and methods that guide continuous improvement in healthcare quality is an excellent way to promote the sustainability of the NHS, maintaining high standards of quality.

The role of the patient in sustainability

In any case, patients also play a fundamental role in the sustainability of the healthcare system and in improving the quality of care by becoming active agents who share responsibility for their health. Through self-care, prevention, adherence to treatments and responsible use of resources, they help to reduce pressure on the system and optimise its efficiency. Furthermore, by participating in decision-making, using digital tools and providing feedback on the care received, they promote more personalised, safer and higher quality care. Overall, an informed and committed patient is key to ensuring a sustainable, equitable and people-centred healthcare system.

Article by Dr Manel Santiñà, Past President of the Spanish Society for Healthcare Quality (SECA)