Table 1.

Framework for the characteristics of capitation payment mechanism

Attribute	Definition	Levels
1. Adequacy or sufficiency of the payment rate	The extent to which the payment rate covers the costs of services purchased	Adequate Inadequate
2. Predictability of payment amounts	Whether providers know what amount to expect	Predictable Unpredictable
3. Predictability of payment patterns	Whether providers know when they will get paid	Predictable Unpredictable
4. Complexity of the accountability mechanisms associated with the PPM	The complexity of the accountability and reporting mechanisms associated with the PPM	Simple accountability requirements Complex/burdensome accountability requirements
5. Service coverage of the PPM	The range of services the PPM is paying for	Outpatient services, inpatients services, dental, optical, surgical, nursing care
6. The performance requirements of the PPM	Whether the PPM is tied to performance	Payments tied to performance Payments not tied to performance
7. Flexibility or autonomy of the PPM	Autonomy health care providers have to spend or use the PPM funds on anything	Autonomous (Flexible) Restricted (Rigid)

Adapted from RESYST consortium’s framework on the characteristics of multiple funding flows [32]