Implications of Economics and Policy for Healthcare Professionals - Research Paper Example

Implications of economics and policy for healthcare professionals July 03, Implications of economics and policy for healthcare professionalsIntroductionHealth economics seeks to deal with a wide range of issues, such as the nature of health, its production, the market available for health care, and even the strategies used to intervene in provision of health care (Henderson, 2012). Therefore, the following discussion aims at highlighting the value of health economics, and the potential benefits of learning about government involvement in health care.

The value of health economicsUnderstanding health economics aids in ensuring that a balance exists between patient outcomes, and the efficient utilization of available resources. This follows from the ability of the principles to indicate whether the right investments are being made, leading to the creation of more health benefits. The principles also alert individuals, and other stakeholders of any available alternatives that can be used to meet health care needs in a better way.Considering the complex nature of health and health care is important when examining the economic principles related to health care delivery.

It allows individuals and institutions to make informed decisions (“NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, 2013). Profitable projects get to be implemented at the expense of unprofitable ventures. More to these, the process ensures improved allocation of resources, hence reaping maximum benefits. Potential benefits of learning about health policyLearning about health policy leads to numerous benefits. Health policy enlightens on the various ways that the government uses to help its citizens in accessing health care.

The government, for example, extends medical services to people who can hardly afford medical care. These include those living below the poverty line, the elderly, and even the disabled. Such knowledge enables health professionals to serve as educators in the society (Harrington & Estes, 2008). This ensures that more people access better health care, thus highlighting the importance of being conversant with the health policy of any government.Being conversant with the health policy also increases the ability to participate in the policy making process of the government, thus making important changes in health care (Bryant, 2002).

This can be done through giving suggestions that can help improve the health conditions in a given country. Such participation ensures that critical issues, which the government cannot address in isolation, get to be solved, leading to a healthier society. QuestionsMy major question relates to the actions being taken by the government, given the ever increasing cost of health care. Health care becomes expensive on a daily basis, thus making it difficult for many people to acquire quality medical attention.

Consequently, the government ought to establish mechanisms that can be used to address the issue, through development of certain policies.The other question relates to whether people get the appropriate value for the money they spend on health care. The various ways of determining how much care costs has been a question since the beginning of the course. These results from the different prices charged to different people for access of similar services. Some institutions charge extremely high prices, which some people cannot afford, thus compelling them to live in a health dilemma.

ReferencesBryant, T. (2002). Role of Knowledge in Public Health and Health Promotion Policy Change. Health Promotion International, 17(1).Harrington, C. & Estes, C. (2008). Health Policy: Crisis and Reform in the U.S. Health Care Delivery System. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.Henderson, J. (2012). Health Economics and Policy (with Economic Applications). Boulevard: Cengage Learning Publishers.NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. (2013). Understanding the Use of Health Economics: An ACI Framework.

Agency for Clinical Innovation. Web < http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/181933/HS13-032_framework_Health_Economics_D8.pdf>