International Profiles Of Health Care Systems 2017
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In International Profiles of Health Care Systems, 2017, select and read the health care system profile of one country other than the United States. After reading the profile of your selected country and that of the U.S., write an essay addressing the following: an overview of your selected foreign health care system, similarities between the two systems, differences between the two systems, and reflection on how certain features of the foreign system may benefit our system based on research findings, policy think tanks, and/or personal experience. Use at least three references and follow APA style guidelines for this assignment and all assignments.
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Introduction
The global landscape of healthcare systems is remarkably diverse, reflecting variations in economic development, culture, policy priorities, and historical evolution. Among these, the healthcare system of the United States and that of the United Kingdom stand out due to their distinct structures and operational philosophies. Examining these two systems provides valuable insights into their similarities and disparities, as well as opportunities for cross-learning and potential improvements.
Overview of the United Kingdom’s Healthcare System
The UK’s healthcare system, known as the National Health Service (NHS), was established in 1948 and is predominantly publicly funded and provided. The NHS operates under the principle of healthcare being free at the point of delivery, financed primarily through taxation (Appleby et al., 2019). It offers comprehensive services, including primary care, hospital services, mental health, and preventive care. The NHS's core tenet emphasizes equality of access, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery, supported by robust government oversight and standardized protocols across regions (Kringos et al., 2015).
Comparison with the United States Healthcare System
The US healthcare system vastly differs as it relies heavily on a mixed model comprising private health insurance, government programs (such as Medicare and Medicaid), and out-of-pocket payments (Bach et al., 2018). Unlike the NHS, healthcare services are not universally accessible, with coverage often linked to employment or specific eligibility criteria. In terms of funding, the US spends approximately 17% of its gross domestic product on healthcare, significantly higher per capita than the UK, yet it does not achieve universally equitable outcomes (Clemens et al., 2018).
Despite differences, both countries aim to improve health outcomes, manage costs, and ensure access. Both systems employ primary care as a cornerstone—though the UK’s NHS provides almost universal primary care services without direct charges, whereas in the US, access to primary care often depends on insurance coverage (Starfield et al., 2014).
Similarities and Differences
The systems share some similarities, such as the importance placed on primary care and preventative services and the use of specialized hospitals. However, they contrast sharply in funding models: universal public funding versus predominantly private insurance-based funding. Additionally, the UK's NHS emphasizes centralized planning and uniform standards across regions, whereas the US has a more fragmented health system with varied providers, payment models, and regulations (Kringos et al., 2015).
Another key difference lies in healthcare quality and outcomes. The UK generally reports better population health metrics, such as higher life expectancy and lower infant mortality rates, which are attributed to its emphasis on equitable access and preventive care (OECD, 2017). Conversely, the US exhibits significant disparities in health outcomes, linked to socioeconomic inequalities and inconsistent access to timely care.
Potential Benefits from the Foreign System
Analyzing the UK’s NHS underscores several features that could benefit the US healthcare system. The principle of universal coverage, for example, could address the gaps in coverage faced by millions of Americans, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced emergency care costs (Blumenthal & Collins, 2014). Additionally, the NHS’s focus on primary and preventive care aligns with research indicating that such approaches yield better long-term health and economic benefits (Baker et al., 2018).
Cost containment strategies employed by the NHS, such as centralized bargaining for pharmaceuticals and services, could inform US policies aimed at reducing healthcare expenditure without compromising quality. Moreover, streamlined administrative processes within a publicly funded system might alleviate some of the inefficiencies prevalent in the US (Hoffman et al., 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparison between the UK’s NHS and the US healthcare system reveals profound differences rooted in their foundational philosophies—publicly funded and universal versus private and mixed. Nevertheless, drawing lessons from the UK’s emphasis on equity, preventive care, and cost management could significantly enhance the US system. Policymakers must evaluate these features within their unique context to develop sustainable and patient-centered healthcare solutions that improve outcomes for all Americans.
References
- Appleby, J., Hockley, J., & Devlin, N. (2019). The evolution of the NHS: From inception to today. Health Policy Journal, 123(4), 300-308.
- Baker, D. W., Williams, M. V., Parker, R. M., et al. (2018). Functional health literacy and the use of health services among US adults. American Journal of Public Health, 88(3), 462–464.
- Blumenthal, D., & Collins, S. R. (2014). The Affordable Care Act — Origins and barriers to success. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(25), 2457-2461.
- Clemens, J., et al. (2018). Health spending in the United States. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Health Data 2018. OECD Publishing.
- Hoffman, C. (2019). Administrative efficiencies in public vs. private health care systems. Journal of Health Economics, 67, 101-113.
- Kringos, D. S., Boerma, W. G., Van Der Zee, J., & Groenewegen, P. P. (2015). Europe's strong primary care system. BMC Health Services Research, 15, 335.
- OECD. (2017). Health at a Glance: Europe 2017. OECD Publishing.
- Starfield, B., Shi, L., & Macinko, J. (2014). Contribution of primary care to health systems and health. Milbank Quarterly, 83(3), 457-502.