health policy q&a

What is health policy?

Decisions, plans, and actions undertaken to achieve specific health care goals within a society.

Who are the political actors involved in health policy?

Public sector (governments) and private sector (industry).

What does health policy aim to achieve?

It aims to achieve health and health care goals.

What is a health system?

A set of institutions and rules to regulate, finance, and pay for personal services called health care.

What does the term 'policy objectives' refer to?

What are we trying to accomplish with health policy?

What is meant by 'efficiency' in health policy?

Getting the most for the money spent.

What is a 'moral hazard' in health care?

A problem that arises when insured patients heavily utilize available resources.

What does the Lalonde report (1974) identify as factors affecting health?

Human biology, environment, lifestyle, and health care organizations.

What are social determinants of health?

Conditions such as income, education, social support networks that affect health.

What is the principal-agent relationship in health care?

The relationship where the patient is the principal and the health care provider is the agent.

What characterizes primary care?

The first point of entry in the health care system, coordinating and overseeing care.

Define tertiary care.

Highly specialized health care typically provided in hospitals, including complex procedures.

What is long term care (LTC)?

Set of health, personal care, and social services required on a sustained basis.

How is a profession defined?

Work that relies on a systematic body of knowledge learned and taught in recognized institutions.

What does the term 'stickiness' refer to in health human resources?

The probability that someone will stay in a job for the next year.

What does the Canada Health Act emphasize?

Public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility.

What does 'public administration' mean in the context of the CHA?

Health care management on a non-profit basis.

What coverage does the Canada Health Act guarantee?

Coverage for all medically necessary health services provided by hospitals and physicians.

What does 'portability' mean under the Canada Health Act?

The ability for residents to move between provinces while retaining health coverage.

What is the primary funding source for public health care in Canada?

General revenues or special taxes designated for health care.

What does capitation in health care refer to?

A fixed payment for each patient, adjusted for population characteristics.

How does globalization affect health policy?

Brings pressures regarding economic, political, and ideological shifts toward privatization.

What is decommodification in welfare states?

Certain programs and services not subject to purchase on the open market.

What factors contribute to the privatization of health care?

Government cost-cutting, technological advances, and long wait times.

Define the Bismarck Model of healthcare.

Characterized by social insurance with compulsory healthcare coverage for all workers.

Define the Beveridge Model of healthcare.

Based on universal coverage and public financing using general state revenues.

What are the four components of Medicare?

Medicare Part A (hospital benefits), Part B (physician care), Part C (private plans), Part D (drug plans).

What is the concept of 'equity' in health policy?

Treating likes alike and ensuring fair access to health resources.

What is the role of government in public health financing?

Manage funds derived from taxation to provide health services.

How do user fees function in health care?

Fees or co-payments required from patients receiving care.

What is the significance of the Canada Health Act of 1984?

Established principles for publicly funded health care in Canada.

What is the major distinction between public and private health care in Canada?

Public care is government-funded while private care is for-profit.

What is the relevance of social support networks in health?

They are among the social determinants that influence health outcomes.

Define 'inequitable resourcing' in health care.

Unequal distribution of health care resources among different populations.

What is the importance of political values in health policy?

Health policy is always political, reflecting societal values and priorities.

What is a social democratic welfare state?

Emphasizes universal welfare rights and generous benefits.

What constitutes informal health care?

Care delivered without a contract and within pre-established relationships.

What are 'tax room' and the feasibility of health taxation?

Room left for sub-national units to increase tax rates without increasing total tax burden.