Models of the health system as a basis for data collection

A health care system is a large and complex dynamic system consisting of interrelated subsystems that are very closely related to external systems and are joined by a common aim. It comprises several hierachical levels - global, regional, national, district, etc. The development of systems methodology reflects the necessity to describe such a complicated system from the point of view of different disciplines in order to define problems and to suggest to decision makers approaches to their solution. The main focus in systems analysis is on the comprehensive, interdisciplinary, analytical investigation of the system and its development. In this article the author explains how the aims of the system correspond to its structure, functions, and organization. Matching the aims to statistical indices used to estimate the achievement of those aims shows that for the achievement of some there are many statistical indices in 'routine' reports whereas for others there are few or none. Such an approach will help to define problems to which solutions are needed, although sometimes the decision-maker knows of problems without having to conduct special preliminary studies