Reflection on the Purpose, Value, and Application of Healthcare Systems Framework

Reflection on the Purpose, Value, and Application of Healthcare Systems Framework

A committee of experts in Communication Technology has developed a four-level model to explain the structure and variability of the healthcare system. This model also helps understand how different components of the system work together and why changes may be needed. This reflection paper aims to provide an overview of how healthcare fits into this “system view” and how information and communication systems play a crucial role in it.

Components of the Framework

It’s important to note that this reflection doesn’t cover every aspect of the healthcare system or establish new monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Instead, it follows the framework outlined by the World Health Organization, which divides healthcare into six main categories or “building blocks.” These building blocks include:

• (1) service delivery,
• (2) healthcare workforce,
• (3) health information systems
• (4) essential medicines
• (5) financing
• (6) management.

According to Batalden and Stoltz (2013), these six building blocks play various roles in strengthening healthcare systems. Some, like management and health information systems, provide overarching policies and regulations for all other components. Key resources for the healthcare system include financial support and a skilled healthcare workforce. The third group, comprising medical products, technologies, and service delivery, directly affects the healthcare system’s ability to provide care efficiently.

Complex systems like healthcare often come with challenges. One limitation of this framework is its focus on the healthcare sector, overlooking the broader factors that influence human health, such as social gender inequality and education. It also doesn’t consider the intricate connections between different aspects of the healthcare system. To address these limitations, a more comprehensive approach is needed to identify boundaries and measurement strategies for this complex framework.

Resources within the System

Glickman, Baggett, Krubert, et al. (2007) highlight that healthcare resources encompass various elements, including personnel, materials, finances, and other assets required to provide healthcare services. Healthcare has always been an essential resource, and everyone needs access to it. In the past, access to healthcare was often limited by one’s ability to pay or trade resources, resulting in unequal access.

Over the last century, advancements in personal and public health have led to the development of various forms of health insurance. These include employer-sponsored insurance plans and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Despite these initiatives, healthcare continues to consume resources. In the United States, millions of people, including children, still lack health insurance coverage. As technology advances, new drugs and therapies become available, and as people age, healthcare costs continue to rise. In 2014, healthcare spending in the United States reached 17.5% of GDP.

Processes within the System

Citizenship focuses on healthcare systems, their processes, and improvements. Five major processes have been identified: healthcare access, identification of health issues, disease diagnosis, illness treatment, and end-of-life care. Citizens should be considered partners in improving these processes and controlling costs. If these processes are well-defined and not driven solely by profit motives, they can better serve the public interest.

Outlook of the System

The cost of healthcare for millions of consumers in the United States is increasing rapidly, as evidenced by the numbers. In 2019, National Health Care Expenses (NHS) reached $3.9 trillion, accounting for 17.7% of GDP and costing an average of $11,582 per person. According to the Medicare and Medicaid Services (NMS), NHS is projected to grow by 19.7% by 2028.

NURS 5052/NURS 6052/NURS 6052N/NRSE 6052C/NURS 6052C/NURS 5052C/NURS 6052A/NRSE 6052A: Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice

Moreover, according to NRC Health, while three out of four consumers consider their healthcare decisions to be crucial and costly, four out of five find it difficult to compare value and quality when making healthcare decisions. This stands in contrast to other industries where consumers have access to cost, benefit, and quality information to guide their purchasing decisions. Healthcare providers face growing challenges in meeting dynamic consumer demands and addressing areas of agreement in the coming months.

Application Value of the System Framework

The pursuit of cost-effective healthcare, which provides better care at a lower cost, is a global trend. Learning Health Systems (LHS) are emerging as a key strategy to enhance healthcare value. LHS aims to improve healthcare systems by advancing science, technology, and practice to deliver better results at a lower cost. However, there is still skepticism about implementing LHS and understanding its unique features.

Our framework illustrates how the distinct structures, processes, and outcomes of LHS can enhance healthcare system performance and align with the goal of delivering greater value in healthcare systems.

References:

– Gilbret M. (2010). Psychology of Management. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16256/16256-h/16256-h.htm

– Shewhart W. (2020). Economic Control of Quality of Manufactured Product. Milwaukee, WI: American Society for Quality Control.

– Glickman S., Baggett K., and Krubert C., et al. (2007). Promoting quality: the health-care organization from a management perspective. Int J Qual Health Care 2007;19:341–8.

– Batalden P., and Stoltz P., (2013). A framework for the continual improvement of health care. Jt Comm J Qual Improv;19:424–47.