Introduction: health system resilience - a concept whose time has come

The concept of health system resilience has never been more important, as a means to navigate our way through current and future shocks. This handbook provides invaluable insights from the theory and practice of evaluating and strengthening health system resilience drawing on the expertise and insights of leading international authors in the field. In this introduction the editors outline the scope of the handbook which involves examining the evolution and challenges facing health system resilience, understanding the current range of health system resilience research and new breakthroughs and showcasing cutting edge research including innovative methods. The Handbook is divided into five sections that evaluate: (i) different streams of theory, (ii) different perspectives on health system resilience; (iii) how resilience relates to health system functions; (iv) what can be learned from different shocks and (v) preparing for what comes next. For each section the editors highlight overarching themes and author contributions. In particular, the Handbook hosts a wealth of case study material with crises ranging from pandemics to economic austerity, and climate and conflict-related shocks. The final chapter outlines some recommendations for action and research to meet the growing challenges facing health systems now and in the future.