Health policy

Health Policy

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

Political Actors

Individuals or groups involved in the political process that can influence health policy, including governments and industry.

Health Systems

Set of institutions and rules that regulate, finance, and pay for personal health services.

Policy Objectives

Goals that health policy aims to accomplish, which may involve trade-offs and compatibility issues.

Equity

The principle of 'treating likes alike' in healthcare.

Efficiency

Getting the most value for the money spent on healthcare.

Tertiary Care

Highly specialized healthcare provided in hospitals for complex conditions.

Primary Care

First point of entry in the health care system, focused on prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases.

Social Determinants of Health

Factors that influence health outcomes, including income, education, and social environments.

Lalonde Report (1974)

Identified four factors affecting population health: human biology, environment, lifestyle, and healthcare organizations.

Moral Hazard

The problem in healthcare when insured patients overuse resources, increasing costs.

Canada Health Act

Legislation that establishes standards for publicly funded healthcare in Canada, including principles like universality and accessibility.

Comprehensiveness

Requirement that the Canada Health Act must cover all insured health services provided by hospitals and physicians.

Portability

Principle that allows residents to maintain their health coverage when moving between provinces.

Public Administration

Management of health insurance plans on a non-profit basis according to the Canada Health Act.

Cash Grants

Direct transfers from one government level to another, which can be tied to conditions.

User Fees

Costs that patients pay out-of-pocket for services, involving co-payments and deductibles.

Privatization

Process of increasing private sector involvement in health services that were previously public.

Decommodification

Principle that certain services are not subject to market purchase, emphasizing entitlement of citizenship.

Welfare State

How a nation provides economic and social security through governmental intervention.

Bismarck Model

Healthcare system characterized by compulsory social insurance for all workers.

Beveridge Model

Healthcare system based on universal coverage and public financing, funded by general state revenues.

Inequitable Resourcing

Disparities in resource distribution and access within healthcare systems.

Asymmetry of Information

A situation where one party (e.g., healthcare provider) has more information than the other (e.g., patient) regarding a service.

Health Human Resources (HHR)

The workforce involved in the provision of health services.

Long-term Care (LTC)

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

Emergency Services

Healthcare services provided for potentially life-threatening situations.

Secondary Care

Specialized care provided by specialists, typically requiring referral from primary care.

Health Care Provider (HCP)

An individual or organization that offers health-related services to patients.

Informal Caregivers

Family members or friends who provide care without formal training or compensation.

Primary Care Providers

Healthcare professionals who serve as the first point of contact for patients.

Health Services

Various services available to individuals for maintaining and improving health.

Health Care Institutions

Facilities such as hospitals and clinics that provide health services.

Private Delivery

Provision of health services by non-governmental entities, often for profit.

Public Financing

Funding for healthcare services largely provided by government sources.

Community Health

Focus on health outcomes and quality of life within specific populations in defined communities.

Health Equity

Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Health Policy Instruments

Tools used by governments to influence behaviors and improve health outcomes.