Part 1:
1. How can the framework of vulnerability be used to study vulnerable populations in the United States?
2. What are the racial/ethnic minority categories in the United States?
3. Compared with White Americans, what health challenges do minorities face?
Part 2
1. Explain the eight main forces that will determine future change in health care.
2. In what way should the delivery infrastructure change to meet the needs of a larger number of insured Americans subsequent to health care reform?
3. What is patient activation? What are the main challenges in activation?
Overview
In Weeks One through Four, we have covered a historical review of the U.S. health care industry, including businesses, stakeholders, and financing of the products and services provided to the customers and patients. Now it is time to look at the current health care system and anticipate future trends in this industry.
This week discusses the current direction of the health care industry and asks students to ponder future themes. Have you considered what impact the U.S. economy has on the health care industry? What kind of impact do natural disasters or infectious disease outbreaks have on health care resources? In what way does the globalization of the health care market place and having health care supplies produced around the world influence health care? These questions and other trends will be addressed as the course comes to a close.
What you will cover
1. The U.S. Health Care System: Present and Future
a. Identify current trends in health care industry.
1) Vulnerable populations: defined by Shi and Singh (2015) as individuals or groups at greater risk for health challenges physically, psychologically, or socially
a) Cultural diversity
b) Children and adolescents
c) Women
d) Rural health
e) Migrant workers
f) Homeless
g) Mental health
h) Chronically ill
2) Impact of laws and regulations-Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA)
a) National division
b) Incremental change
c) Equitable financing
d) Supply vs. demand
e) Access vs. cost
3) Ethics: ensuring ethical decision making is occurring when applied to patient care
4) Emphasis on quality
a) Process improvement
b) Outcomes measurement linked to payment
c) Patient-centered care
5) Pandemics and travel guidelines
6) Migration, immigration, and refugees affect health care systems
7) Homeland security
b. Describe future trends in health care.
1) Informed decision making:
a) Impact of national debt, gross domestic product (GDP), economic indicators (interest rate, inflation rate, employment rate), and taxation.
b) Why should health care administrators stay abreast of the world and U.S. economy?
(a) Need for personal responsibility and decision making. How can health care workers help patients get active and engaged in their own care without dictating their wants and desires (self-diagnosing)?
(b) Understanding the break-even point when making high cost decisions. How long can the technology boom continue?
2) Protection:
a) Data, personal health information: How can health care workers ensure the protection of personal health information when electronic health records are being used?
b) Infectious Disease: How can health care workers protect the community from infectious diseases (i.e., new strains, super bugs)?
3) Planning:
a) Natural Disaster Response: How can health care workers properly address health concerns before, during, and after a natural disaster?
b) Health care supplies are being produced globally. Are we entering into a buyer-beware market?
c) Back-up systems for technology
d) Are we becoming too reliant on information systems?
e) Can staff perform functions that are automated (i.e. blood pressure readings, pulse rate)?
References
Shi, L., & Singh, D.A. (2015) Delivering health care in America: A systems approach (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.