HCOC Chapter One: U.S. Healthcare

What is the main purpose of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

To increase access to healthcare and address rising healthcare costs.

What does WHO say is the best natural support for vaccines?

Nutrition.

What are 'deaths of despair'?

Socioeconomic disparity indicators: Suicide, overdose, and liver disease.

What types of professionals provide support to mothers during and after pregnancy?

Doulas, nurse midwives, APRNs, CHWs, and social workers.

Which chronic diseases are most prevalent among the elderly population?

Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

What are common infections associated with globalization?

Viral gastroenteritis and salmonellosis.

What is a major reason the U.S. was unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic?

Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE).

What role does telehealth play during lockdowns?

It allows people to access needed healthcare services remotely.

What technological advances have improved healthcare outcomes?

Medical technology, artificial intelligence, and electronic health records (EHRs).

What do social determinants of health (SDOH) include?

Factors such as where people are born, grow, work, live, and age.

How do SDOH influence healthcare outcomes?

They affect care quality and overall health outcomes.

What is the difference between health equity and health equality?

Health equity is about providing everyone the same opportunity for maximum health, while health equality is treating everyone the same regardless of need.

What organizations developed screenings to address unmet social needs in patients?

The AHA (American Heart Association) and AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians).

What are the shared challenges that lead to healthcare disparities?

Discrimination against racial/ethnic minorities and socioeconomic factors.