Dynamics of Healthcare Chapter 7 Key Terms A-Z and Study Points

Activities of daily living

Set of key capabilities used to evaluate need for personal care assistance for older adults or disabled persons; includes bathing, dressing, toileting, and self-feeding.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Source of the Occupational Outlook Handbook that provides information about a broad range of occupations with details about educational requirements, projected need, places of employment, and salaries.

Certification

The process of action of providing an individual with an official document attesting to their status or level of achievement.

Community and Social Service Occupations

Professionals who work with individuals to assist outside of hospitals or long-term care facilities.

Health Professional Shortage Areas (HSPSAs)

Regions or zones identified by the Health Resources and Service Administration Shortage Designation branch of the HHS as medically underserved; lack of access to primary care, dental, or mental health providers; and groups who face economic, cultural, or linguistic barriers to health care.

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Agency within HHS that provides healthcare services for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.

Licensure

The granting of a license by an official or legal authority to perform medical acts and procedures not permitted by persons without such a license.

Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral healthcare providers the opportunity to have their student loans repaid while earning a competitive salary, in exchange for providing health care in urban, rural, or tribal communities with limited access to care.

Maldistribution of health Personnel

A situation in which new health workers find it difficult to obtain jobs in their community, while other communities cannot find enough workers to fill the same type of healthcare jobs.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

An organization that negotiates agreements with primary care medical, dental, and mental health professionals to work in underserved areas with limited healthcare access in exchange for college loan repayments and scholarships.

Professional Certification

Granted by health professionals' national organizations to ensure health professionals meet established levels of competency.

Professional Registration

The listing of certified health professionals on an official roster kept by a state agency or health professionals' organization; some health professionals' organizations use the term registration interchangeably with certification.

State Loan Repayment Program

Available in 30 states for students in a variety of healthcare training programs.

Student to Service Loan Repayment Program

For students in the last year of school training as a physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife. Loan repayment is in exchange for serving three years in a designated health professional shortage area.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

The U.S. government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

What are desirable traits for healthcare workers?

Patience, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse backgrounds in stressful situations.

What types of education are required for careers in healthcare?

From high school diploma with on-the-job training to graduate degrees.

How do salaries in healthcare vary?

Salaries are generally higher for practitioners and technical occupations requiring more education.

What is the expected growth rate for healthcare and personal assistance careers in the next decade?

Close to 15%, compared to 4% for all other occupations.

What factors contribute to the high demand for healthcare workers?

Longevity and the aging population requiring management of chronic diseases.

Which group of healthcare workers is projected to have the highest numbers in the next decade?

Home health and personal care aides.

How does the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classify healthcare workers?

Into three categories: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical, Healthcare Support, and Community and Social Service.

What is a notable issue regarding diversity in the healthcare workforce?

The majority of workers are White women, with underrepresentation of other races and ethnicities.

What are the benefits of a diverse healthcare workforce?

Improvements in communication and greater access to healthcare for minority patients.

Where are most healthcare workers employed?

In hospitals, offices of health professionals, and nursing and residential facilities.

What is expected regarding the employment locations of healthcare workers in the next decade?

More will work in outpatient centers and home care rather than hospitals.

What is a significant issue regarding the distribution of healthcare workers?

A shortage of primary care providers in rural areas and inner cities.

What programs provide support for healthcare students in shortage areas?

National Health Service Corps and Indian Health Service offer scholarships and loan repayment.

What two questions should students consider when exploring a health career?

Will the degree program prepare me for my desired career? What financial resources are available?

What is required for most health careers to practice legally?

State licensure or certification.

What are the requirements to become licensed in healthcare?

Completion of a training program and passing a licensing exam.

What does certification in healthcare require?

Completion of an accredited program and passing a qualifying exam.

Why are certified employees more competitive in the job market?

Certification demonstrates completion of accredited education and readiness for the profession.