HCA 4303 Comparative Health Systems Learning Outcome 494004

Hca 4303 Comparative Health Systems 1course Learning Outcomes For Uni

Examine how the healthcare systems in both a developed country and a developing country approach both prevention and resources.

Paper For Above instruction

The comparison of healthcare systems between a developed country such as the United Kingdom and a developing nation like Ghana illuminates fundamental differences and similarities in how these nations approach prevention and resource allocation. This analysis offers insights into the impact of economic development, cultural factors, and global health dynamics on healthcare delivery, especially concerning the management of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) exemplifies a publicly funded healthcare system emphasizing preventative care and efficient resource utilization. The UK’s approach to prevention heavily focuses on early detection, health education, vaccination programs, and screening initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. The NHS allocates resources to community health programs, primary care facilities, and specialized clinics that facilitate early diagnosis and management of these diseases, thereby reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes (Doran et al., 2017).

Ghana, as a developing country, encounters challenges related to limited healthcare infrastructure, lower levels of health literacy, and scarce resources, which impact its ability to effectively prevent and manage chronic diseases. The Ghana Health Service has initiated programs targeting prevention through community outreach, education campaigns, and the integration of traditional and modern medicine (Abor & Bening, 2018). However, resource constraints often limit access to screening, medications, and continuous patient monitoring. Consequently, Ghana faces a higher burden of unmanaged or poorly managed diabetes and hypertension, leading to increased complications and mortality rates (Asante et al., 2019).

Despite these disparities, both systems recognize the importance of prevention and resource management. In the UK, a well-established infrastructure supports expansive screening and health promotion activities, incorporating advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals. Conversely, Ghana leverages community health workers, mobile clinics, and international aid to maximize limited resources and extend care to underserved populations. These differing strategies highlight how economic capabilities and systemic organization influence healthcare approaches.

Furthermore, the migration of healthcare professionals from Ghana to the UK exemplifies the global interconnectedness and resource challenges faced by developing nations. Ghana’s healthcare system suffers from brain drain, which hampers its capacity to deliver consistent preventive services for chronic diseases (Martineau et al., 2004). The UK benefits from skilled nurses and physicians but at a cost to Ghana’s health outcomes. This dynamic underscores the ethical considerations and shared responsibilities of developed countries in addressing global health disparities.

In conclusion, while the UK employs an advanced and comprehensive approach to prevention and resource allocation, Ghana works within significant constraints, utilizing community-based strategies to improve health outcomes. Both systems’ approaches reflect their socioeconomic realities, yet both aim to reduce the burden of chronic diseases through targeted prevention strategies. Recognizing these differences provides valuable lessons on optimizing health systems globally, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and equitable resource sharing to combat chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

References

  • Abor, J., & Bening, K. (2018). Healthcare delivery in Ghana: Challenges and opportunities. Ghana Medical Journal, 52(4), 238-244.
  • Asante, E., Essien, E. K., & Amuzu, D. (2019). Management of hypertension and diabetes in Ghana: Challenges and prospects. BMC Public Health, 19, 1283.
  • Doran, T., Robertson, R., & Canavan, M. (2017). The role of the NHS in preventive health: Lessons learned. British Medical Journal, 357, j3342.
  • Martineau, T., Decker, K., & Bundred, P. (2004). “Brain drain” of health professionals: From rhetoric to responsible action. Health Policy, 70(1), 1–10.
  • U.S. Department of State. (2017). U.S. relations with Cuba. Retrieved from https://history.state.gov/countries/cuba
  • Fitz, D. (2012). Cuba: The new global medicine. Monthly Review, 64(4).
  • Hernandez, L. M., & Blazer, D. G. (2006). Genes, behavior, and the social environment: Moving beyond the nature/nurture debate. National Academies Press.
  • Heath, D. (2008). France's healthcare system. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 178(5), 596.
  • Levins, R. (2005). Progressive Cuba-bashing. Socialism and Democracy, 19(1), 46–49.
  • Lovett-Scott, M., & Prather, F. (2014). Global health systems: Comparing strategies for delivering health services. Jones and Bartlett Learning.

Related Assignments