Application Assignment 1: Systems Reflection

Application Assignment 1 Systems Reflection

Part A. (1) Briefly explain how health care can be described as a "system" by explaining how a system works. (2) Next, think of a system (preferably a healthcare system) that fits this description, which has affected you or someone you know. Describe the system and the impact of it. In other words, focus your writing on describing specific elements of a health care system by explaining it regarding the description provided by the text and how this affected you or someone you know. Part B. Look through the key terms within chapter one of your text and choose three that you identify have significantly affected your life or the lives of your close relationships. (1) Describe each term (2) Specify how each has affected you or a close relationship.

Additional Directions: Single space your writing and use 12-point font. You can leave my directions in or you can delete them; it is up to you. Do not bold your font please (or -1 point). Recommended word count per section is 250 words (which is approximately two paragraphs). Total for entire reflection should be at least 500 words.

Paper For Above instruction

Healthcare systems are complex, interconnected networks designed to deliver medical services, manage resources, and improve population health outcomes. Understanding healthcare as a system involves recognizing its various components, including providers, patients, policies, resources, and information flow, all working together to achieve common health objectives (Donabedian, 1988). This systemic perspective emphasizes the importance of coordination and feedback mechanisms that ensure continuous improvement, accountability, and efficiency within healthcare delivery (World Health Organization, 2007). When viewed as a system, healthcare is not merely a collection of individual services but an integrated entity that adapts to evolving needs through structured processes, policies, and stakeholder interactions.

An example of a healthcare system that has profoundly impacted me is the community health clinic where my family received primary care services during a period of financial hardship. This clinic exemplified an accessible, patient-centered healthcare system committed to serving underserved populations. Its elements, including multidisciplinary staff, sliding scale fees, and community outreach programs, created an environment conducive to preventive care and early intervention. The system’s emphasis on holistic, continuous care positively affected my family’s health by promoting regular check-ups and health education, which prevented more serious health issues. The clinic’s integrated approach, involving collaboration among physicians, nurses, social workers, and community health workers, demonstrated how a well-structured system could align resources and expertise to enhance health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Experiencing this system firsthand deepened my understanding of how systemic organization directly influences individual well-being and community health, reinforcing the importance of effective healthcare infrastructure.

Turning to key terms from chapter one of the text, I identified three concepts that have significantly influenced my life and relationships: autonomy, health disparities, and health promotion.

Autonomy refers to an individual’s capacity to make informed choices about their health and treatment. For example, gaining knowledge about my health condition empowered me to engage actively with healthcare providers and advocate for my needs. This sense of control fostered confidence and fostered trust in the healthcare process, ultimately leading to better adherence to prescribed regimens and improved outcomes (Brinkman et al., 2019). In my relationship with my elderly parent, respecting their autonomy was crucial in shared decision-making regarding their caregiving options, strengthening mutual respect and cooperation.

Health disparities describe the systemic inequalities that result in unequal health outcomes among different populations, often based on socioeconomic status, race, or geography. Witnessing disparities in healthcare access within my community, particularly among immigrant populations, highlighted the importance of equitable health policies. These disparities have impacted my understanding of social determinants of health and motivated me to advocate for inclusive healthcare initiatives, emphasizing fairness and justice in health services (Williams & Jackson, 2005).

Finally, health promotion involves strategies aimed at enhancing well-being and preventing disease through education, policies, and lifestyle changes. Participating in health promotion campaigns—such as vaccination drives and smoking cessation programs—has increased my awareness and motivated healthier behaviors. These initiatives also affected my close relationships by fostering shared health goals and encouraging family participation in preventive practices, highlighting the power of proactive health efforts in strengthening social bonds and community resilience (Nutbeam, 2000).

References

• Brinkman, S., et al. (2019). The role of patient autonomy in health care. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(6), 394–399.
• Donabedian, A. (1988). The quality of care: How can it be assessed? Journal of the American Medical Association, 260(12), 1743–1748.
• Nutbeam, D. (2000). Health literacy as a public health goal: A challenge for contemporary health education and communication strategies into the 21st century. Health Promotion International, 15(3), 259–267.
• Williams, D. R., & Jackson, P. B. (2005). Social sources of racial disparities in health. Health Affairs, 24(2), 325–334.
• World Health Organization. (2007). Everybody's business: Strengthening health systems to improve health outcomes: WHO’s framework for action. WHO.