Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Switzerland collaborates with the OECD on health issues, so as to share knowledge with other countries, contribute its expertise and have its health system evaluated through comparative studies.

ocde ministerielle 2017 — The ministers of health at the OECD Health Ministerial, Paris (F), 17th of January 2017

Role of the OECD

“Better policies for better lives”: the goal of the OECD (established in 1961) is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all. It provides a forum where member-state governments can share experiences and seek solutions to common problems (see the OECD website). Its analyses, policy recommendations and definition of international standards are based on statistics, facts and experience.

Each year, the OECD publishes “Health at a Glance”, which permits statistical comparisons of its member countries’ health systems. It also regularly publishes thematic studies.

In addition, the OECD is developing new, internationally comparable health indicators. Under the Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) initiative, a new generation of standardised quality of care indicators is being established. Surveying patients about their experiences and outcomes should help to improve the analysis of health system quality.

Switzerland’s varied contribution

Through its involvement in the OECD, Switzerland contributes to dialogue and cooperation between OECD member countries and key partners. In the field of health, it contributes to the work of the OECD Health Committee by participating in meetings, providing national data and supporting thematic studies. In addition, it promotes collaboration between the OECD and the WHO.

Benefits for Switzerland

Switzerland derives specific benefits from its membership of the OECD:

Through the OECD, Switzerland can share experiences and best practices with other countries facing similar public health challenges.

The OECD’s statistical comparisons provide a reliable tool for benchmarking.

These comparisons and the sharing of expertise allow Switzerland to continually improve its health system and ultimately the health of its population

Links

OECD - "Health" pages

OECD - Health at a Glance

OECD - Homepage