Many health systems across Europe are altering the role of the private sector in public healthcare, for example through contracting with private providers and using private finance initiatives. At a time when systems are looking for ways to control costs and drive up quality, it is often argued that private sector involvement is an important lever for change. But is this right, and how can health leaders and managers navigate the changing healthcare environment to deliver the best care possible for patients?

The 2012 Winter School will be an opportunity to explore these questions, and particularly how to lead and manage through times of change. Join us in the beautiful city of Innsbruck for 2.5 days of stimulating discussion and the opportunity to build an international peer network.

Wed, February 29th:
Afternoon: Introduction & Input

Thu, March 1st:
Morning: Learning journeys to Sites of innovative health practice and management
Afternoon: Consolidation, reflection and integration of learning
Evening: Networking Dinner

Fri , March 2:
Morning and Afternoon: Transfer of learning into practice

Sat, March 3:
Optional social activities including skiing

Shaping the 2012 Winter School Agenda
EHMA Members are invited to help shape the agenda for the 2012 Winter School (29 Feb – 2 March). Our overarching topic is responding to the changing relationship between the private and public in healthcare. We want your views on the key questions we should discuss on this theme. Should we focus on how to manage public/private partnerships? On the system governance that needs to underpin increasing pluralism? On broader issues on leading and managing change within an environment that increasingly blurs boundaries between public and private?

The Winter School team are collecting questions and feedback until the end of the year. More information on the questions we are asking can be found here.

Questions to shape the Winter School

1. Many health systems across Europe are altering the role of the private sector in public healthcare. But this is a complex issue, with many different issues across different countries, and a variety of strategies employed to manage them. We want to know what the main issues in your country or region are: Please fill in the text box below.


2. Within the overarching theme of the Winter School we have freedom to focus on particular themes, depending on the interest of participants. We want to know your opinion on what we should prioritise: Please fill in the text box below.

Your Name:
Your Country: