Academic English Skills Coursework 1: Source Evaluation and Synthesised Summary
Essay title or question:
Title: Impact of the current national health care system in United States of America
Define health care system, types and its role in a country.
Discuss the key changes in the American Healthcare System over the past decade. Discuss the current system and explain how it has created solutions to the healthcare sector of the country.
Approach verbs
Ideas to be explored
Define and discuss
Health care system, types and role
Discuss
Key Changes in the American Healthcare system
Discuss
A comparison between the current and the vast healthcare systems
Discuss
The impact of the current health care system in America
Issues to be considered:
The following key areas will be discussed
What is a healthcare system? > The coordination of resources, institutions and people to deliver necessary health care services needed by a target population.
What are the main types of health care systems applied in most countries? >
The Bismarck Model
Out-of-Pocket model
Beveridge model
National Health insurance Model.
Functions of health care systems >
Provide direct health care services
Provide medicine
Manage epidemic health hazards
Public health services
Resource generation
Financing
Health workforce
Stewardship
The American Healthcare systems a decade ago > the vast systems in America lack definite patterns of operation. The complexities monitored in the operations led to the remaking of healthcare in America.
What key changes led to the current healthcare system in America? >
Effectiveness
Patient-Centered
Efficient
Timely
Safe
equitable
Impact of the current health care system in America >
Disease management
Proper medication
Improved life expectancy
Support / data:
Point
Possible source for support
What is a healthcare system? > The coordination of resources, institutions and people to deliver necessary health care services needed by a target population.
World Health Organisation on health care systems practiced across the world
What are the main types of health care systems applied in most countries? >
The Bismarck Model
Out-of-Pocket model
Beveridge model
National Health insurance Model.
Research and scholarly journals on the main health care system models applied by various countries across the world
Functions of health care systems >
Provide direct health care services
Provide medicine
Manage epidemic health hazards
Public health services
Resource generation
Financing
Health workforce
Stewardship
Research on the role played by the health care systems from a general perspective. This functions applies in all countries.
The American Healthcare systems a decade ago > the vast systems in America lack definite patterns of operation. The complexities monitored in the operations led to the remaking of healthcare in America.
Research on the American vast healthcare systems and how they affected health management a decade ago.
What key changes led to the current healthcare system in America? >
Effectiveness
Patient-Centered
Efficient
Timely
Safe
equitable
Research on the developments from the old healthcare systems that has attributed to the modern system in America
Impact of the current health care system in America >
Disease management
Proper medication
Improved life expectancy
Survey on the relevance of the current health care system in America/ Research on the impact of the system
List of references
Dellit, T.H., Owens, R.C., McGowan, J.E., Gerding, D.N., Weinstein, R.A., Burke, J.P., Huskins, W.C.,
Paterson, D.L., Fishman, N.O., Carpenter, C.F. and Brennan, P.J., 2007. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America guidelines for developing an institutional program to enhance antimicrobial stewardship. Clinical infectious diseases, 44(2), pp.159-177.
Donaldson, M.S., Corrigan, J.M. and Kohn, L.T. eds., 2000. To err is human: building a safer health
system (Vol. 6). National Academies Press.
Rice, T., Rosenau, P., Unruh, L.Y., Barnes, A.J. and Saltman, R.B., 2013. United States of America:
health system review. Health systems in transition, 15(3), pp.1-431.
Starfield, B., 2000. Is US health really the best in the world?. Jama, 284(4), pp.483-485.
Wachter, R.M. and Goldman, L., 1996. The emerging role of “hospitalists” in the American health
care system.
Weiner, J.P., 1994. Forecasting the effects of health reform on US physician workforce requirement:
evidence from HMO staffing patterns. Jama, 272(3), pp.222-230
World Health Organization, 2000. The world health report 2000: health systems: improving
performance. World Health Organization
.
Source Evaluation (25% of total reading mark for the module) IFY and IY1: Complete the table below for FOUR of the sources you have found. PM: Complete the table for SIX sources.
Topic:
Bibliographic details of source
Brief evaluation of source
Relevant ideas from source for this essay section (in own words)
How do these ideas strengthen your argument?
World Health Organization
(WHO)
It is a web page that offers reliable information covering all health issues. There is no citable authors but all the articles from the site offer resourceful information applicable in all research fields.
Ideas covered include:
- Health care systems involve coordination of resources, institutions and people to deliver necessary health care services needed by a target population
- Health care systems are majorly the Out-of-Pocket model, Bismarck Model, Beveridge model and National Health insurance Model.
- Healthcare systems provides direct health care services, Manage epidemic health hazards,
Provide medicine and Public health services among others.
Reliable source providing the necessary concepts about health care concepts.
The types and functions of the systems are important and builds the research work.
HMO staffing patterns
This source is reliable since it is a scholarly journal analyzed by a reputable author. In this article, Weiner clearly indicates the reforms on healthcare systems and the impacts created by the reforms in the long run. Citations from this source indicates the credibility of the material and its relevance to the research field.
Ideas covered include:
- Impact of the key changes in the healthcare system in the United States of America especially on the workforce and the patients.
Reliable source providing the relevance of a diversified national healthcare system.
National Academies Press
This source offers reliable information. National Academies Press is a credited private research institution that provide data on contemporary issues. The author Donaldson, Corrigan and Kohn clearly indicates the need for a safe healthcare system. The authors further explain and advocates for the health systems which provide health care services without difficulties related to time, convenience and affordability.
Ideas covered include:
- The quality of the current healthcare system in America. In this way it focuses on the medical errors and the effect created by the errors in the healthcare system.
Reliable source giving a comparison between the previous systems and the need to adopt a quality oriented system.
Topic:
Bibliographic details of sources used in this section
Brief evaluation of source
Relevant ideas from source for this essay section (in own words)
How do these ideas strengthen your argument?
Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology
This is an academic article produced by reputable authors. Dellit, Owens, McGowan, Gerding, Weinstein, Huskins, Paterson, Fishman, Carpenter and Brennan are professionals in the healthcare field. The source contain information written clearly based on research rather than personal opinions to affirm its relevancy. The journal is suitable for this study.
Ideas covered include:
- The stewardship role of the current system. The article also provides a reflection of the current system to the vast systems on various roles provide by them.
Reliable source with appropriate data on health issues and the control and management of the problems highlighted.
Health systems in transition
This is a scholar article that provide comprehensive and reliable knowledge to the subject of discussion. The authors Rice, Rosenau, Unruh, Barnes, and Saltman are knowledgeable. The source provides information about the transition patterns and changes observed in the health care system in the United States. As a research article it will contribute widely to the topic of discussion.
Ideas covered include:
- An overview of the current American healthcare system and its functions in relation to the previous system.
- The article provides the structure of the current system and explains how it was achieved from the previous systems.
- It also discusses the key changes in the healthcare system.
Reliable source providing vital information on the structure and roles of the current healthcare system in America. It also provides a reflection between the vast systems and how the difference was achieved.
The emerging role of “hospitalists” in the American health care system.
This is an academic journal written by knowledgeable authors Wachter and Goldman. The article has been cited widely in the research field and this aspect ascertains the creditability of the source. This source provides reliable information of the evolution of American healthcare systems to the most effective system in operation today. It contributes to this discussion appropriately.
Issues covered include;
- It provides the structure of the healthcare systems in terms of the current workforce and also new trainees joining the education system.
- It expounds on the type of healthcare system adopted by the United States.
Reliable source that outlines the components of the current healthcare system in America
Your position
The current American healthcare system has undergone successful evolution to provide the necessary services in the healthcare department.
Arguments/Structure:
Research confirms that the healthcare system in America today is a reflection of a continuous evolution in the medical science of the country.
According to the World Health Organization, healthcare system is an organization of resources, institutions and people to deliver necessary health care services needed by a target population.
The main types of healthcare systems include the Out-of-Pocket model, Bismarck Model, Beveridge model and National Health insurance Model. Bismarck Model uses insurance system which is achieved by joint financing of both the employees and employers through a check-off system pattern. Beveridge model involve healthcare provision by the government itself. The government finances the system using income from taxes. Out-of-Pocket model is a market-driven health care system where medical care is granted to the few that can afford it. The model is common in poverty-stricken countries. The national health insurance model combines the elements of Bismarck and Beveridge models. America maintains distinct health systems for different classes of people unlike many countries that adopt a single model.
The healthcare system is responsible for the provision of direct healthcare services to patients, financing, stewardship and resource generation.
Serious evolution has occurred in the American healthcare system. A decade ago the systems in place failed to provide quality medical services. The current system however, is the most expensive when compared to countries of similar level (Starfield 2000, p.484).
The major changes made on the vast healthcare systems were major improvements on the service delivery. These improvements include searching and availing reliable information necessary to formulate relevant policies, a adopting a robust financial setup, maintaining logistics and facilities for proper medicine delivery and engaging professional workforce with ample remuneration. Currently, the US hospitals are more equitable in the care initiative programs. This aspect has enhanced quality. Medication is patient-centered. Most of the hospitals therefore operate throughout. The services are also timely and efficient. Finally the services offered in the medical units are safe and reliable.
The changes in the healthcare systems of America has seen the country’s life expectancy increase significantly as compared to the percentage a decade ago that is, from 75 to 79 years.
Disease and other health hazards are easy to manage within an effective healthcare system. Referring to (Dellit, Owens, McGowan, Gerding, Weinstein, Huskins, Paterson, Fishman, Carpenter and Brennan 2007, p.156) on disease management, it is clear that cooperation between experts in a workforce increases the efficiency implementing antimicrobial stewardship.
The American healthcare system advocates for a universal healthcare. This analogy aims to provide health care services to all citizens irrespective of financial hardship that may arise. According to WHO, the key elements used to evaluate an effective health care system include acceptability, efficiency, equity and quality. The United States has currently sustain a health system that portrays all of the aforementioned dimensions.
In summary, the American healthcare system has undergone changes that enabled the system to fit more in the demands of the health care services by the citizens. The goals of the system of maintaining good health for the citizens, fair means of financing medical services and responsiveness to the public demand are achieved.
Essay Outline
Introduction:
Health care is a fundamental department in every country. All citizens are entitled to receive quality and affordable medical attention when in need. Therefore, more improvisation of healthcare systems to fit the living standards and the per capita income of a country is paramount. Good health promotes a good working environment where the output in all production activities are significant and a reflection to the resources used.
Thesis statement:
This essay will argue that a good healthcare system is achieved through a series of changes over time
Main body:
1st paragraph
Topic sentence – there are four types of healthcare systems
Supporting points:
Bismarck Model uses insurance system which is achieved by joint financing of both the employees and employers through a check-off system pattern (WHO 2000).
Beveridge model involve healthcare provision by the government itself (WHO 2000).
Out-of-Pocket model is a market-driven health care system where medical care is granted to the few that can afford it (WHO 2000).
The national health insurance model combines the elements of Bismarck and Beveridge models (WHO 2000).
Concluding sentence: The healthcare systems applies for all countries. However, all countries apart from USA adopt a single model for all its citizen. This aspect brings uniformity, equity and is relatively cheap to finance.
2nd paragraph
Topic sentence – United States of America has over time adopted all the aforementioned models.
Supporting points:
In his research, Starfield attributes his findings to the fact that USA has adopted all the Healthcare models. In his findings (Starfield 2000, p.483), the author indicates that 40 million people were unable to access health insurance during that time. Also, World Health Organization (WHO) ranked America in the year 2000 as the country with the most expensive healthcare system. According to WHO the high expenditure by the American healthcare system resulted from their practice of more than one healthcare system (WHO 2000)
Concluding sentence: Adopting different systems might create convenience to allow every citizen choose where to fit in depending on affordability and class. The long-term effect however is more expenditure by the government.
3rd paragraph
Topic sentence – Healthcare system is an important aspect in the medical science of a country.
Supporting points:
According to World Health Organization, the function of an effective healthcare system in a country include:
Provision of direct health care services to patients
Provision of medicine
Management of epidemic health hazards
Provision of Public health services
Resource generation.
Proper Finance and inventory control.
Establishing relevant Health workforce
Implementation of Stewardship programs.
Concluding sentence: In his journal (Weiner 1994, p.228) Weiner argues that the people providing the services are vital in any system. He advocates for appropriate workforce. Otherwise, when proper management of resources is achieved and with the advancement in technology, all the functions aforementioned above can be realized with much ease in a proactive healthcare system.
4th paragraph
Topic sentence – National healthcare systems are prone to changes over time to achieve national goals of efficiency.
Supporting points:
According to (Rice, Rosenau, Unruh, Barnes, and Saltman 2013, p.114-138) Change is an important element especially in cases where the resulting effect is positive. Health care systems should be able to undergo progressive evolution to ensure:
An established robust financial mechanism
Proper administrative policies established from reliable information sources.
Engagement of a well-trained workforce that should also receive fair remuneration.
Establishing and maintaining the available facilities
Relevant logistics are adopted in acquiring and delivering relevant medicines and technology.
Concluding sentence: when the relevant developments are achieved in the process of evolution, the healthcare system will be able to provide services which are equitable, timely, efficient, patient-centered, safe and effective (Donaldson, Corrigan, and Kohn 2000, p.72). This aspect of change is therefore an important factor in the medical sector. Life expectancy is able to increase when all citizens have access to quality and affordable health services (Wachter and Goldman 1996, p.24).
Conclusion
This essay will evaluate the historical changes that have occurred over a decade ago. As already mentioned, a healthcare system is not limited to the public structures and professionals that deliver personal services to patients. It is prudent to realize that healthcare can be accessed on wider boundaries. A mother who takes care of her sick child at home establishes a health system at that level. This aspect affirms that health care services can be provided by any trained personnel. In other words, a system may also include health advisors that do not involve in the active management of health issues. Also, while discussing medicine as an important resource in a healthcare system, it is important to note that traditional medicine is qualified to treat a range of diseases. In this aspect, we also include traditional medicine practitioners as health workers.
Synthesised Summary Use a minimum of two sources (150 – 250 words) (25% of total writing mark for the module)
Main Body Paragraph Number: 4
Main Point: It is in the economic interest for healthcare systems to embrace change to enhance service delivery
The government undertakes to finance most of the healthcare services. Main sources of the funds are taxes from the public, donations and national health insurance. The point of concern at this level is the seriousness the healthcare system attach to service delivery. In their research work, (Rice, Rosenau, Unruh, Barnes, and Saltman 2013, p.114-138), Rice and his colleagues indicate that change is an important aspect not only for the health department but for the national economy. The government allocates funds to the ministry of health annually and hence expect a reflection of positive results. The effectiveness of a system is achieved over time when relevant factors are considered. Health care system can be assessed from different perspectives. When all the factors are considered then there should be enough and quality medicine, professional workforce, proper financial management, proper logistics and policies. According to (Donaldson, Corrigan, and Kohn 2000, 72), we say change has occurred when the system operates under positive conditions such as timely service delivery. Other aspects include equitable services, efficient, safe and patient-centeredness in health service delivery. Wastage of resources will therefore be minimized while much benefit is achieved from the national resources. In this way the economic stability is stabilized. Finally, (Wachter and Goldman 1996, 24) and hints that a positively changing system is a developing system that advocates for better service delivery.
