7 Current and Future Economic Issues Confronting Today's Healthcare
Title: 7 Current and Future Economic Issues Confronting Today's Healthcare
Examine at least three current and future economic issues confronting today’s healthcare system. Analyze the significant implications of the issues in question for the market efficiency of the health care system. Provide specific examples to support your rationale from readings throughout your program or from peer-reviewed journal articles.
Sample Answer
Current and Future Economic Issues Confronting Today's Healthcare
The current and future economic issues confronting today's healthcare system are multifaceted and have significant implications for the market efficiency of the system. Let's examine seven key issues and their implications:Rising healthcare costs
One major concern is the escalating costs of healthcare services, which strain individuals, employers, and governments alike. This issue hampers market efficiency as it limits access to care, particularly for low-income individuals. For example, a study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that higher healthcare costs resulted in delayed or forgone treatments, leading to poorer health outcomes (Thomas et al., 2021).Aging population and increased demand
The aging population presents a challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. As people live longer, the demand for healthcare services, including long-term care and chronic disease management, increases. This demand surge puts pressure on the market to provide timely and affordable care. For instance, a report by the Brookings Institution highlights the strain on healthcare systems due to the rising elderly population in the United States (Nikolova, 2016).Technological advancements and costs
Rapid advances in medical technology contribute to improved treatments but also increase healthcare costs. New technologies often come with high price tags, and their adoption can be slow, affecting market efficiency. An article in the New England Journal of Medicine discusses the challenge of balancing innovation and cost containment, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of new technologies (Neumann & Weinstein, 1991).Healthcare workforce shortages
Many regions face shortages of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists. These shortages hinder timely access to care and increase costs. Market efficiency is compromised when patients face long wait times and limited choices. A study published in the National Institute of Health explores the impact of workforce shortages on healthcare access and quality in rural areas of the United States (Nielsen et al., 2017).Health insurance coverage gaps
Inadequate health insurance coverage leaves individuals vulnerable to financial burdens and limited access to necessary care. The lack of comprehensive coverage can lead to delayed treatments and increased healthcare costs in the long run. An analysis published in the National Library of Medicine highlights the negative consequences of coverage gaps on healthcare utilization and health outcomes (Riley, 2012).Fragmented healthcare delivery
The fragmentation of healthcare services, with multiple providers and systems operating independently, creates inefficiencies and coordination challenges. Lack of information sharing and care continuity can lead to redundant tests, medication errors, and higher costs. A study published in the BMC Public Health identifies the need for integrated care delivery models to improve efficiency and patient outcomes (Shahzad et al., 2019).Health disparities and access issues
Socioeconomic and geographic disparities in healthcare access and quality persist, affecting market efficiency. Unequal access to care perpetuates health inequalities and leads to higher costs due to preventable complications. A systematic review published in the World Health Organization website demonstrates the link between healthcare disparities and economic inefficiencies.Conclusion
In conclusion, the economic issues facing the healthcare system today and in the future have substantial implications for market efficiency. Rising costs, increased demand, technological advancements, workforce shortages, insurance coverage gaps, fragmented delivery, and health disparities all contribute to inefficiencies. Addressing these issues requires targeted policies and interventions prioritising cost containment, equitable access, and coordinated care delivery to ensure a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system.References
Neumann, P. J., & Weinstein, M. C. (1991). The diffusion of new technology: costs and benefits to health care. The changing economics of medical technology, 2, 21-34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234309/ Nikolova, M. (2016). Two solutions to the challenges of population aging. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2016/05/02/two-solutions-to-the-challenges-of-population-aging/ Nielsen, M., D’Agostino, D., & Gregory, P. (2017). Addressing rural health challenges head on. Missouri medicine, 114(5), 363. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140198/ Riley, W. J. (2012). Health disparities: gaps in access, quality and affordability of medical care. Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, 123, 167. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3540621/ Shahzad, M., Upshur, R., Donnelly, P., Bharmal, A., Wei, X., Feng, P., & Brown, A. D. (2019). A population-based approach to integrated healthcare delivery: a scoping review of clinical care and public health collaboration. BMC Public Health, 19(1), 1-15. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7002-z Thomas, A., Valero-Elizondo, J., Khera, R., Warraich, H. J., Reinhardt, S. W., Ali, H. J., ... & Desai, N. R. (2021). Forgone medical care associated with increased health care costs among the US heart failure population. Heart Failure, 9(10), 710-719. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213177921002365Place your order
