A health care delivery system refers to the organization of people, institutions, and resources that work together to provide health care services to meet the health needs of a target population. It is a multi-faceted concept that can be measured in terms of cost, method of payment, regulation, and quality of care. The health care delivery system is the most visible function of the health system, both to patients and the general public, and it concentrates on patient flows as well as the organization and delivery of all services dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disease, or the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health.

The health care delivery system has four main components:

• Providers: These are the individuals and organizations that provide health care services, such as doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.

• Payers: These are the individuals and organizations that pay for health care services, such as insurance companies, employers, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

• Regulators: These are the individuals and organizations that oversee and regulate the health care system, such as government agencies like the FDA and CMS.

• Consumers: These are the individuals who use health care services, such as patients and their families.

Effective and efficient mechanisms to deliver health services to a target population require transdisciplinary collaboration and widen the impact of evidence-based medicine and health practices. A regular source of care improves the chances of receiving personal preventive care and screening services and improves the management of chronic disease. Healthcare delivery systems enable medical providers to raise awareness and teach the general public ways to avoid common health problems. Providers organize and run health education programs to encourage healthier lifestyle choices, vaccinations, and regular check-ups, promoting the general public’s well-being.

Comparing health service provision across different countries is challenging due to the range of services attributed to each type of health care delivery, and whether these services take place in hospitals, in an ambulatory setting, or elsewhere, all differ substantially. The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies focuses on describing, comparing, and analyzing the different delivery systems in use.