When it comes to health care, there are many different opinions. Some think that the best way to maximize health outcomes is to give people whatever they want, even if it costs too much, as long as it is “equitable” or brings everyone up to some standard of health (however you define it). Others, however, argue that health care should be allocated for optimal efficiency—to get the most bang for your buck. Still others believe that the best way to promote health is through preventative measures, such as vaccinations and regular screenings.
There are also differences between countries in terms of the type and extent of healthcare provided. Some countries have very high rates of private ownership of hospitals and other healthcare facilities, while other countries have a strong public role in the provision of healthcare. In addition, many countries have national health insurance systems, which are funded by a combination of private and public contributions and paid for through employers’ payroll deductions or by taxation.
A primary challenge is that many persons do not have access to health services, even when they are willing and able to pay for them. This is a result of both geographic and financial barriers to health care. People who have difficulty paying for healthcare are more likely to delay treatment or forgo needed health services entirely, putting their health at risk.
Another concern is that the increased emphasis on cost containment and quality improvement may have negative consequences for the delivery of health services. The growth of for-profit enterprise in the health care sector has created a climate of competitive pressures that can lead to poor patient service, decreased personal attention, and an erosion of the traditional physician-patient relationship. Furthermore, prospective payment systems and capitated programs place providers at considerable financial risk, which can create conflicts of interest.
The ability of patients to access the right care at the right time has become a major focus of health policy discussions in recent years. This is because the consequences of not having access to appropriate health services can be severe, including death and disability.
Often, the reasons for not having access to health care are complex and involve issues such as distance, affordability and communication problems. Interventions to increase the accessibility of health services, particularly to primary health care, can reduce these barriers.
Health professionals need a complete set of health information in order to deliver optimal health care, but this is not always available or easy to obtain. It is difficult to make medical decisions without accurate and timely information about the patient’s clinical status, prognosis, and options for care.
The ultimate end of health care is better individual and community health, as measured by improved survival and quality of life. But it is not clear how much of the success of health care can be attributed to the availability and use of medical technologies or to the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.