ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of the book. A major message from this book is that both developing and developed nations are feeling the effects of changing or aging populations and shrinking health budgets, but nevertheless are creating successful initiatives, programs, and projects despite very challenging environments. Another compelling theme and lesson from countries where the socioeconomic situation is challenging is that improvements can come about relatively inexpensively, and that deceptively simple changes in systems and procedures can be achieved without the need for large allocations of expenditure. Small-scale, localized improvements can lead to system-wide improvements, from enhancing maternal mortality rates, to extending widespread health improvement or coverage, to looking after the aged poor. Another is that there is a growing realization that the effective use of digital technology, in record keeping, integrated databases, and decision support, are all topics both for the present, and also for the future.
