OBJECTIVES: Portuguese Hospital funding is mostly production-based (DRG). Focusing on activity instead of on quality of care leads to operational- and governance-related waste. The existent inefficiencies, along with State expenditure restraints, exacerbated the need for discussing and reformulating hospital funding mechanism.

has the main objective of defining alternative funding solutions to promote innovation and reduce waste.

METHODS: First, Portugal’s funding model was analyzed in its accessibility, outcomes measurement and sustainability. Then, European countries’ models were mapped, identifying best-practices. The discussion on what was applicable to Portugal and how to do it was held in three workshops, aiming at creating value for the patient and subsequently for the health system.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Portuguese NHS is chronically under-funded. The focus on production rather than quality of care results in access inequities and inefficiencies across the health system. The optimization of the current funding model is mandatory to reduce health debt and provide a better care for the Portuguese population. Besides discussing the issue, the implementation of innovative pilots in 2 different hospitals will be explored as testing tools and, if successful, replicated to other institutions. This will not only create value for the patients but to all Health-related stakeholders.