PHS Chapter 2: Healthcare Systems

What events have led to changes in health care?

Wars, pandemics, new technology, and changing demographics

What are some new health related changes?

New drugs, revising treatments, and emerging diseases

Why must health care workers be aware of changes?

To remain competent and provide safe ethical care

What are some current trends in health care?

Cost containment, home health care, technology influence and societal shifts

What is cost containment?

Controlling rising healthcare costs while achieving maximum benefit for every dollar spent

When was the Affordable Care Act passed?

2010

What are the 4 parts of the Affordable Care Act?

1. Everyone must be insured (insurance companies cannot deny people with pre-existing conditions)

2. Everyone has to play (everyone has to get insurance)

3. Help to Pay (the government gives money to people who cannot afford it on their own)

4. Fairer Rules (insurance companies cannot charge more because you’re sick or female and kids can stay on their parent’s plan until they’re 26)

What is the goal of the Affordable Care Act?

To get more people covered by insurance + cut down on costs

What are four technological advances that add to the cost of health care?

Organ transplants, artificial hearts, computers for examining internal body parts, and advanced technology that prolongs life but increases the need for lifelong care

How does an aging population increase health care cost?

Increased use of pharmaceuticals, more chronic disease, greater demand for healthcare services

What are health related lawsuits?

Lawsuits for malpractice

What is defensive medicine?

Ordering unnecessary tests to avoid lawsuits

What are the consequences of high cost?

Limiting services to those who can pay and potentially reducing access for those unable to pay

What is a Diagnostic Related Group (DRG)?

A Congressional attempt to control Medicare/Medicaid costs

What are Hospital-Acquired Conditions?

Conditions acquired in hospitals

What is Medicare?

A federal program that provides care for the elderly

What is Fee-for-service?

Payment per service/treatment rendered

What is value-based care?

Bundled payments for each diagnosis/treatment type

What are HMOs and PPOs?

Shared services that lower the cost per patient

What is the combination of services?

Combining services to avoid duplication

What are outpatient services?

Receiving care without hospital admission

What is mass/bulk purchasing?

Buying in large quantities at a reduced cost

What are early intervention/preventive services?

Preventing illness before it happens (education, immunizations)

What is energy conservation?

Conserving energy

What is the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality?

It improves quality, accessibility, equity, and affordability of care

What is the Healthcare workers role?

Maintain quality while minimizing waste

What is the Healthcare consumers role?

Take responsibility, know options, prevent illness

What is home health care?

Healthcare done at home

What are the advantages of home health care?

Cost effective, provides a familiar environment for the patient, and promotes independence and recovery

What is the definition of geriatric care?

Care for the elderly

What is the goal of geriatric care?

Meet physical, social, and emotional needs of older adults

What 2 factors contribute to the growth of geriatric care?

Longer life expectancy and aging of the “baby boom” generation

What are 4 examples of geriatric care facilities or services?

Adult day care centers, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities

What is telemedicine?

Use of technology to provide medical services

What are 2 methods of telemedicine?

Interactive video conferencing and transmission of medical data

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

Increased access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, decreased need for driving, quicker specialist consultations

What are 3 applications of telemedicine?

Remote monitoring for chronic conditions, follow-up appointments, and emergency services support

Define wellness

State of optimum health with a balanced relationship between physical, mental, and social well-being

What are 5 different types of wellness?

Physical, Emotional, Social, Mental, Spiritual

What is the definition of Complementary and Alternative Methods of Health Care?

Healthcare practices not traditionally performed in conventional medicine, often combined with standard treatments

What are 6 examples of CAM therapies?

Ayurvedic, Chinese medicine, chiropractors, homeopaths, hypnotherapists, naturopaths

What is pandemic preparedness?

How you prepare for a pandemic

What are 2 historical examples of pandemics?

1918 influenza and Covid-19

What is biotechnology?

Use of genetic and biochemical processes to develop products and technologies in healthcare

What are the potential benefits of biotechnology?

More effective treatments and personalized medicine tailored to genetic profiles