Organization of health care services

On December 20, 2024, the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Center (KCE) released the Health Services Research report on expenditure control measures in Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG)-based hospital payment systems. The report offers an overview of the current hospital financing model in Belgium, details proposed reforms toward case-based DRG payments, reviews expenditure control mechanisms in five European countries, and provides recommendations to stakeholders.

Since January 1, 2025, the Danish Healthcare Quality Institute has been established, replacing the Health Technology Council and the Regions' Clinical Quality Development Program. The Institute comprises three overall focus areas that contribute to patients receiving high and uniform quality treatment across the country and the best possible health for the money.

On November 22, 2024, the Danish Health Authority announced that it would change its organizational structure. This restructuring is expected to prepare the Danish Health Authority for Health Care Reform work and set a new framework for the work with public health. The organizational changes will take effect on January 1, 2025.

On November 6, 2024, the first meeting of the Board for Health Apps was held in Denmark. As soon as the Board determines the criteria according to which it will assess health apps, it will be possible to apply for assessment followed by recommendations

In October 2024, the Agreements on new pathologies and procedures for the care of which it is necessary to designate Benchmark centers, departments, and units of the National Health System (CSURs) were approved in the cardiovascular, endoscopy, gastrointestinal, nephrology, and urology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgical procedures, neuromodulation, and peripheral vascular fields. In addition, several CSURs were designated or redesignated for previously approved pathologies and procedures.

In November 2024, the Danish Government presented a new Strategy for Life Science towards 2030. The Strategy will strengthen the role of innovative health solutions in relation to freeing up labor and ensuring a sustainable healthcare system. The Vision is that Denmark must be a leading life science nation in Europe to benefit patients, the Danish healthcare system, and the Danish economy.

On August 19, 2024, the Agenda for the meeting of the Board of Danish Regions was published. One of the themes to be discussed during the meeting was the Danish Regions consultation response regarding the Health Structure Commission's report. The meeting was held on August 22, 2024.

On June 19, 2024, the Order SND/606/2024, of June 13, came into force. This Order, among other things, creates the Advisory Committee for the Common Package of Benefits in the Area of Genetics.

On June 7, 2024, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) informed that the federal government, states, and sickness funds have agreed on concrete actions to implement healthcare reform. The reform will focus on various aspects, such as establishment of special outpatient clinics, the expansion of primary care, and improvement of the situation of digital healthcare.

Women's health hubs comprise the new model of care outlined by the Department of Health and Social Care in the Women's Health Strategy (2022). The hub model aims to improve access to and experiences of care, improve health outcomes for women, and reduce health inequalities. In April 2024, NHS England published guidance to local commissioners, Integrated Care Boards (ICB). It requires that by the end of December 2024, at least one hub is operational in each ICB area and provides all core services.

In April 2024, Danish Regions announced the initiative to establish a new organization called the Health Service Quality Institute (Sundhedsvæsnets Kvalitetsinstitut). This initiative is part of the wider Region’s ambitions to develop a new model of working with quality and prioritization in the Danish healthcare system. The new institute is expected to open at the beginning of 2025.

On January 1, 2024, changes in the Norwegian central health administration announced by the government in May 2023 came into force. The Directorate of Health expanded its responsibility in digitalization, the development of health care services, and public health. The Directorate of e-Health discontinued to be an independent body and merged with the Directorate of Health.