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Research Council of Finland

Transforming Health Systems: Social Mechanisms Enabling Insti-tutional Change

THRIVE project examines health reforms from the institutional change perspective, how these reforms are expected to improve health systems and how reform intentions are translated into effective practices by the actors involved. Health reforms are investigated in Finland and in six other countries. This qualitative research utilises interviews and documentary data. The project will construct a theory of social mechanisms of change to ascertain what works, for whom, in what circumstances and why. The research is carried out in collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and the University of Vaasa (UWASA).

Project information

Duration
-
Budget
External funding
667 678€
External funding for the University of Vaasa
331 780€
Total budget
1 428 890€
Total budget for the University of Vaasa
953 826€
Funders
Research Council of Finland
Coordinator
Lotta-Maria Sinervo
Coordinating organisation
Itä-Suomen yliopisto

Project description

Health systems around the world are facing major challenges, including ageing populations, fragmented services and workforce shortages. Although many reforms aim to improve care, health outcomes and system performance, putting them into practice is often difficult. The THRIVE project examines how health reforms are implemented in practice and how organisations and professionals respond to large-scale change.

Using case studies, interviews, policy analysis and international comparisons, THRIVE will explore how reform goals are translated into everyday actions, decisions and service delivery. The project will focus on the factors that enable or hinder change, including local strategies, resource mobilisation and collaborative agency.

Finland's ongoing health reform provides a unique opportunity to study implementation in real time. THRIVE will also compare value-based health reforms in seven countries to identify common drivers of successful change. The project will generate practical knowledge to support more effective, equitable and financially sustainable healthcare systems.