How hospital autonomy affects provider payment reform effectiveness

Provider payment reforms (PPRs) have demonstrated mixed results for improving health system efficiency. Since PPRs require health care organisations to interpret and implement policies, the organizational characteristics of hospitals may affect the effectiveness of PPRs. Hospitals with more autonomy have the flexibility to respond to PPRs more efficiently, but they may not if the autonomy previously facilitated behaviours that counter the PPR's objective. This study examines whether hospitals with higher autonomy responds to PPRs more effectively.