The pursuit of improved efficiency has become an imperative for health systems of all types. However, notwithstanding the palpable interest in health system efficiency, there have been profound challenges in converting the apparently simple concept into meaningful metrics that enable policymakers to take appropriate action. A recent summary of the literature from the Observatory highlighted the formidable practical and methodological difficulties involved in developing satisfactory efficiency metrics that offer policy makers meaningful insights into the potential for efficiency improvement.

In order to present key stakeholders with a review of the state of the art relating to efficiency measurement in health systems the European Observatory has begun work to bring together an edited volume on this issue. The broad aim of the book is to examine the principles underlying efficiency measurement, summarize progress to date, and offer guidance on future priorities. The target readership includes policy makers, their analytic advisors, health care regulators, patient representative groups, those charged with governance of health care organizations, and researchers.

The book's main objectives are:

— To present the theory of health system efficiency;

— To identify the measurement instruments and analytic tools necessary to provide meaningful insights into health system efficiency;

— To present and comment on the strengths and weaknesses of current information sources relating to comparative efficiency;

— To explore the role of efficiency measures in guiding the routine operation and regulation of the health system, and in informing the design and evaluation of health system reforms;

— To examine the implications for policy makers, politicians, regulators, and others charged with the governance of the health system;

— To discuss the future needs for information systems and research;

— To demonstrate key issues in efficiency analysis, policy and decision making through practical case studies.

Since the start of this project (November 2013), a book outline and proposal has been drafted, and initial drafts of chapters relating to this structure have been drafted and presented at a workshop. In order to prepare finalize the manuscript by the end of 2014 the final stages of the book need to be commissioned. This tender aims to identify a suitable expert to take on the work done so far and ensure its completion by the set deadline (December 2014).

The selected expert will

— Support the finalization of the project in light of the agreed study outline and in collaboration with a senior project coordinator.

— Ensure that the literature review findings inform the development of the framework.

— Review the findings on progress to date and their implications for the study's contribution to policy makers.

— Ensure the finalization of the work and ensure final draft of each chapter is delivered by the deadline agreed with the Observatory secretariat.

This will involve the following tasks:

1. Liaising closely with the senior study coordinator.

2. Establishing in depth familiarity with the developed methodology and existing project outline and supporting the development and finalization of the study based on the former.

3. Thorough background research and review of existing evidence on the topic and progress to date in the field, in coordination with the senior coordinator of the study.

4. In- depth review of all material produced so far by the study including all initial drafts and the data.

5. Written feedback to the authors drawing on recent research that is relevant to the book. This will be done in coordination with the senior study coordinator.

6. Book chapters editing (upon submission of the 2nd drafts)

7. Writing the introduction and conclusion of the book bringing together the key themes in close collaboration with the senior study coordinator.

8. Checking for consistency the entire document before submission for copy-editing and publication.

9. Final proof-reading prior to publication.

Please note that the project is ongoing and based on a well developed methodology. Thus, interested candidates are invited to send only a CV demonstrating the required standards (see III.2.3 below) and a short cover letter outlining the costing.