Healthcare Systems: Delivery Systems, Government & Organizational Structure

Flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture notes on systems theory, delivery systems, national healthcare types, WHO goals, government/nonprofit roles, and organizational structure in healthcare.

What is systems theory?

A way of studying a system as a whole, focusing on its primary mission and how parts work together to form a unified whole.

How does systems theory apply to healthcare?

It treats healthcare facilities as systems, helping to explain each part's contribution to the mission and identifying flaws.

Name two types of national healthcare systems.

Publicly funded systems (taxes/social security) and privately funded systems (private insurance and out-of-pocket payments).

What are the three primary goals of a healthcare system according to WHO?

Provide quality healthcare for the entire population, be responsive to citizens’ expectations, and ensure financial protection and fair financing.

What is a delivery system?

A facility or organization that provides healthcare services.

What are the four basic components of a delivery system?

Services, Consumers, Healthcare Personnel, and Payment for Services.

Give examples of delivery systems.

Hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical offices, and laboratories (also includes ambulatory/outpatient centers).

What is a hospital?

A healthcare facility that provides health services and varies in size, ownership, and services.

What are common hospital ownership types?

Proprietary (for-profit private), nonprofit/voluntary, government, and religious.

What are long-term care facilities?

Facilities that provide care for elderly or disabled individuals, including nursing homes and independent living arrangements.

What is a medical office?

A delivery system operated by one or more doctors; may treat a broad range or be specialized.

What are behavioral health services?

Facilities addressing mental health and substance abuse, including prevention of suicide and treatment of anxiety, depression, etc.

Name other delivery systems in healthcare.

Emergency care services, acute care facilities, ambulatory/outpatient care centers, dental clinics, hospice, laboratories, and home healthcare agencies.

What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient care?

Inpatient involves a stay in a facility; outpatient involves short visits or stays under 24 hours.

What are dental clinics?

Facilities providing dental procedures, often at low or no cost, connected to other facilities or schools.

What is hospice care?

Palliative care for terminally ill patients; distinct from general end-of-life hospice, which focuses on quality of life at the end of life.

What are specialty medical and dental services?

Specialized services such as cosmetic surgery, pulmonology, chiropractic, orthodontics, and various surgical specialties.

What is palliative care vs. hospice care?

Palliative care is for life-limiting illnesses to relieve symptoms; hospice is end-of-life, providing comfort and quality of life.

What is the role of laboratories in healthcare delivery systems?

Perform tests to help diagnose illness and disease.

What is home healthcare?

Providing treatment and therapy to patients in their homes.

What are interdependence principles in healthcare?

All team members depend on each other; failure of one part can negatively affect patient care.

What is organizational structure in a healthcare facility?

An arrangement that outlines responsibilities to ensure smooth operation, which can be simple or complex.

What are four divisions commonly shown on an organizational chart?

Informational, Support, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic.

What is a line of authority?

A defined reporting chain determining each worker’s position and supervision levels.

Why is following the chain of command important?

Strengthens the structure, promotes efficiency, and provides clear focus.

What happens when problems are escalated correctly?

Issues are addressed at the appropriate level, enabling efficient problem-solving and patient care.

What is interdependence in healthcare?

All healthcare workers depend on each other to deliver quality care; failure to do so harms patients.

What is the World Health Organization (WHO)?

An international agency under the United Nations aiming for the highest possible level of health for all people.

What is the goal of WHO investigations and publications?

To identify and disseminate information on worldwide health problems and diseases.

What is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)?

A national health agency aimed at protecting health and providing essential human services, especially for those in need.

What is the United States Public Health Service (USPHS)?

A division within HHS that oversees public health-related agencies and activities.

What do the NIH and the CDC do?

Research the causes, spread, and control of diseases (NIH and CDC); monitor worldwide health problems.

What is the FDA's role?

Regulates food and drug products sold to the public.

What is AHCPR responsible for?

Identifies standards for treatment in healthcare facilities.

What does OSHA regulate in healthcare settings?

Workplace safety standards to protect employees and healthcare facility safety.

What is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)?

A federal agency providing healthcare to veterans and offering various benefits.

What are nonprofit healthcare agencies and their general role?

Funded by donations and grants, often focus on specific diseases, fund research, provide services and awareness.

Name some nonprofit agencies and their missions.

American Cancer Society (funds cancer research and prevention), American Heart Association (cardiovascular health), American Red Cross (disaster relief and blood donations), March of Dimes (preventing premature births).

What is a mixed healthcare system?

A system funded by multiple sources; example: US combines private insurance with government programs, Canada relies mainly on public funding with some private options.

Which countries typically have public healthcare systems?

Norway, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Which countries typically have private healthcare systems?

The United States and Switzerland.

What is a delivery system’s most basic purpose?

To provide healthcare services to a defined population.