A novel policy dialogue to build sustainable and resilient health systems: findings from PHSSR Portugal

Abstract

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, health policymakers have been reflecting upon sustainability and resilience issues in health systems worldwide. Promoting sustainability and resilience requires policy changes built upon evidence and on the views of health stakeholders and experts. This study aimed to engage health stakeholders in designing and discussing policy recommendations with a high potential to improve sustainability and resilience in the Portuguese healthcare system.

This study provides actionable insights to advance discussions on sustainability and resilience in Portugal. It shows that Governance and Population Health policy recommendations are critical to improve sustainability and resilience in several domains, and there is a high level of agreement on the need to adopt many recommendations, but questions remain about their implementation. The study also shows that new ways of engaging health stakeholders and experts can be adopted to promote dialogue, consensus and transparent discussion in policy processes.