Assignment: Tools for Access and Disparities
Reflect on the The State of Global Health video and your chapter readings. What is the difference between developed and developing countries? What do you believe are the major barriers to access? Is the eight factor model a tool that should be implemented worldwide?
Required Text:
Lovett-Scott, M., & Prather, F. (2014). Global health systems: Comparing strategies for delivering health services. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Chapter : Introduction
Chapter : Disparities in Health: A Closer Look at Health Disparities in the USA
Chapter : The Eight Factor Model: For Evaluating True Access
Multimedia:
Martin, G. (n.d.). The State of Global Health [Video file].
The video provides ten facts on the state of global health, relating to worldwide issues. This complements the chapter readings
Recommended Resources:
Textbook PowerPoint Presentations
Lovett-Scott, M., & Prather, F. (2014). Chapter : Disparities in Health: A Closer Look at Health Disparities in the USAPreview the document. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Lovett-Scott, M., & Prather, F. (2014). Chapter: The Eight Factor Model: For Evaluating True AccessPreview the document. New York, Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Standard Guidance:
When we talk about Global Health, what comes to mind? Global, according to Merriam-Webster, means "of, or relating to, the entire world" (Global, 2015). The United States has seen a growth in immigrants over the past couple of decades. In addition, our population and others worldwide are traveling more for business as well as pleasure. Healthcare is conducted using technology and can go from one country to another. People are seeking surgeries and procedures in other countries due to the cost and limitations within their own country. Politicians in the United States continue to seek ways to provide affordable healthcare for all citizens and give access to those in rural areas. Why does it seem that some countries seem to have healthcare that is affordable and accessible while other countries do not? Throughout this course you will be exposed to many different global health issues and how the various countries react to the challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have lots of videos available on Global Health. Bookmark this page and keep as you move through the course.
The following is a summary from your readings:
America "the land of the free and home of the brave"
The most powerful country in the world, rich in human and fiscal resources
World leader in advancement of scientific knowledge
Unevenly distributed health care
Some individuals receive fewer services than others.
One of only two countries in the industrialized world without a universal system of health care
Health Care reform, "Affordable care Act," or, Obama Plan.
Five important questions requiring serious attention by health providers if true access and elimination of disparities are to be addressed:
What is all the disparity fuss about?
Is access adequately defined, or is the concept outdated and in need of redefinition?
Is lack of access perceived or real?
How do providers determine quality outcomes?
How if at all, can compliance be better addressed?
Application of the Eight Factor Model provides:
comparative descriptions of what systems are doing globally
a thorough and critical analysis of each health care system
helps to identifying system strengths and weaknesses and what one system might learn from another
The Eight Factors include:
Historical health of each nation
Structure of healthcare delivery
Financing-nation's ability to fund healthcare
Interventional-service quality related to outcomes
Preventive looking at physical, mental or emotional, and social
Resources-human, social, and spiritual
Major Health Issues-social determinants and public health challenges
Health disparities-AKA unequal treatment
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013, September 19). CDC - Global Health - Videos
Global - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2015). InDictionary and Thesaurus | Merriam-Webster
Lovett-Scott, M., & Prather, F. (2014). Global health systems: Comparing strategies for delivering health services. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.