The U.S. Health care system provides the insured with effective and high-quality health care services. But what constitutes health care quality and does such a system exist in the U.S.? According to the American College of Medical Quality, quality health care is defined as the “degree to which health care systems, services and supplies for individuals and populations increase the likelihood for positive health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.”1 Such quality varies from country to country, but this is especially prevalent in the U.S. health care system for those who are insured. Over the past decade, medical technology is the fields of cancer, phlebotomy, immunology, and cardiology have advanced and impacted patient
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Medical services like screenings, immunizations, prescription medicine, and mandatory medical procedures are essential to live a healthy life. According to a study on the link between American Hispanics and health care, low average income, lack of education, and no insurance coverage were major barriers that stopped American Hispanics from receiving care. Unfortunately, many non-Hispanic Americans encounter these barriers as well. This lack of access to health care services is a disadvantage in the U.S. because it can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased financial medical burdens, and rising health costs.4Ultimately, this leads to issues that can affect the U.S. health care system in the near …show more content…
The organization strives to improve the health of citizens by “campaigning for developing well-organized health departments at both the federal and local levels.”5 The current issue of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) is a large burden for the APHA and public health officials as these infections are obtained by patients during any type of health care service. As stated previously, the increase in insured patients will escalate hospital visitations, and create staffing problems at local hospitals. Hospitals with low staffing are more prone to provide low-quality services such as reusing syringes or not cleaning bed sheets in between patients. Thus, it is very likely that HAIs will become more prevalent in the next 10 years. According to a recent study, HAIs have caused about 99,000 deaths per year and 4.5 of every 100 hospital admission will acquire a HAI.6 The CDC has reported that though many HAIs have decreased, a 6% increase in catheter- associated urinary tract infection was recorded between 2009 and 2013.7 This lack of quality is a concern that if not resolved will become a major health care issue, especially as more people become
Medical services like screenings, immunizations, prescription medicine, and mandatory medical procedures are essential to live a healthy life. According to a study on the link between American Hispanics and health care, low average income, lack of education, and no insurance coverage were major barriers that stopped American Hispanics from receiving care. Unfortunately, many non-Hispanic Americans encounter these barriers as well. This lack of access to health care services is a disadvantage in the U.S. because it can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased financial medical burdens, and rising health costs.4Ultimately, this leads to issues that can affect the U.S. health care system in the near …show more content…
The organization strives to improve the health of citizens by “campaigning for developing well-organized health departments at both the federal and local levels.”5 The current issue of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) is a large burden for the APHA and public health officials as these infections are obtained by patients during any type of health care service. As stated previously, the increase in insured patients will escalate hospital visitations, and create staffing problems at local hospitals. Hospitals with low staffing are more prone to provide low-quality services such as reusing syringes or not cleaning bed sheets in between patients. Thus, it is very likely that HAIs will become more prevalent in the next 10 years. According to a recent study, HAIs have caused about 99,000 deaths per year and 4.5 of every 100 hospital admission will acquire a HAI.6 The CDC has reported that though many HAIs have decreased, a 6% increase in catheter- associated urinary tract infection was recorded between 2009 and 2013.7 This lack of quality is a concern that if not resolved will become a major health care issue, especially as more people become