Prioritisation Criteria
MidCentral District Health Board's (MDHB) prioritisation framework is a set of criteria used to screen health service and funding proposals, to see they match with MDHB directions and they use robust processes.
The framework was developed because MDHB must operate within the funding it receives from the Ministry of Health to provide personal, mental health, disability and age-related support services for its population.
CT Scanner at Palmerston North Hospital
Health Service Priorisation Criteria
MDHB's prioritisation framework, which incorporates elements of the Ministry of Health’s Health Equity Assessment Tool (Equity Lens) for tackling inequalities in health, asks a series of questions including:
- How does the service contribute to MDHB’s strategic goals?
- How does the service contribute to improving Maori health outcomes?
- Will the service contribute to reducing health disparities?
- Is the service cost effective and affordable?
- How accessible is the service?
- How acceptable is the service to the people who will use it?
The prioritisation framework is reviewed annually. Recent changes have included the following:
- Incorporating input from the Health Needs Assessment which identified a number of issues within the district, particularly the presence of health disparities such as the poorer health status of the Horowhenua community.
- An increased emphasis on an evidence based approach to decision-making, including greater attention to monitoring and evaluation of service performance.
- More emphasis on probity in relation to procurement – ie, deciding who will be contracted to provide a desired service.
The Funding Division evaluates all proposed funding allocations and contract renewals against the prioritisation framework. Information from the prioritisation process is included in the purchasing recommendation the Funding Division makes to the Board.
The Prioritisation Framework is currently:
Alignment with District Health Board Strategies
Showing the proposal's expected health outcomes is consistent with MDHB's strategic or health priority plans, including the District Annual Plan and District Strategic Plan.
Evidence to Support Proposal
Reasoning that the proposal will achieve its objectives and goals, usually using evidence-based sources (like peer-reviewed journals) or from experts.
Equity Summary
Consideration of people experiencing health status inequalities, using the Ministry of Health's Health Equity Assessment Tool (HEAT tool), when necessary.
Measurement, Evaluation and Reporting
Statement of how the new service or activity will be reviewed or evaluated in the future.
Procurement
Statement of the procurement arrangement, with reference to Treasury and Office of Auditor General's guidelines on procurement processes.
Financial Impact
Financial impact in current and future financial years.
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Last Updated 14/06/2010