Resolving the Americas Health Care Crisis - Annotated Bibliography Example

Resolving America’s Health Care Crisis: The impact of piecing together a fragmented health care system and implementing effective preventive care strategies Name, Name July 24, 2011 Course Annotated Bibliography Chuang, S., & Inder, K. (2009). An effectiveness analysis of healthcare systems using a systems theoretic approach. BMC Health Services Research (9), 195-207. The ability to improve health care quality is a primary concern in different regions across the country of Australia. In this article, there is an understanding that quality measurements and reporting in health care systems need to be re-examined. The study that is created indicates that there is an integrated system that creates better results among health care systems. The main statement in the model shows that a combination of strategic planning and the combination of accredited systems work more effectively in building a stronger health care system. The article specifically shows that there is a direct relationship between quality measurement and reporting systems that are within hospitals. The study is shown by looking at literature reviews and other studies that all point to an integrated system as a main method of changing the health care system to create better results for patients and those working in health care. The article will be used to create an understanding of the fragmented parts of the system and what should be combined together for better implementation of the systems. The different components which are to be added into this include a system thinking structure, strategic alternatives, quality improvement strategies and feedback between the quality care and the feedback that is a part of the main ideology. The concept of creating higher quality is then based on the implementation of strategic and systematic planning that can be incorporated into the main system for both quality care and implementation of reporting that connects to this alternative.  Penney, C., & Henry, E. (2008). “Improving performance management for delivering appropriate care for patients no longer needing acute hospital care”. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, 13(1), 30-34. This article examines the international viewpoints and challenges associated with reporting for different types of patients and the challenges which this raises. The article first examines the different health levels that are associated with those in Canada by examining both subacute and convalescent care. The question is based on how these two types of care should be more consistent, specifically in terms of system planning and performance management. The examination then led to looking at policies, performance management and ways in which activities were implemented within different health care system. The conclusion from this investigation all led to the same results, which consisted of policy guidance being a main priority for program development. It was also noted that there needed to be integration of monitoring, planning and quality assurance that was available to both patients and health care workers. The problem which was found not only was based on inadequate alternatives for care, but also led to an understanding that without the integration of these components, health care systems remained both inadequate and unethical. Without the right monitoring, support and systems, there is not the ability to make the right decisions in any type of health care setting. It was also noted that there was not a difference in the type of care system used. This article will be used within the research study to show how there is an integration and direct relationship between the policies, planning and the activities which take place within health care system while integration of these different components is necessary for more adequate results, no matter what type of health care is being used. Marchibroda, J. M. (2008). “The impact of health information technology on collaborative chronic care management”. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy, 14(2 Suppl), S3-11. The concept of a fragmented health care system is not only consistent with problems in policies and actions. This article examines other parts of the fragmentation of health care, including those that are based specifically on chronic care management. The purpose of this article is to show that the fragments in health care are not managed correctly because of a lack of coordination in the health care setting, lack of information and the ability to receive care. The examination includes looking at the health care delivery process of information and reporting at all levels as well as how information technology could be used but is not associated with the specific needs of a health care setting. The conclusions of this article state that chronic care management needs to use technology as a management component to offer more information and better awareness of what is occurring within the system. The article relates to the paper by showing that there needs to be an integration of the reporting and information available while showing how specific tools are used to enhance the health care setting and the concepts which are related to the information exchanges and performance measurement that is within a health care setting. The ideology which will be used not only challenges the need to integrate the system but also adds in factors related to solutions for better coordination through the use of IT.  Gottlieb, L. M. (2009). “Learning from Alma Ata: The medical home and comprehensive primary health care”. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 22(3), 242-246. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2009.03.080195 The approach to this article is to examine the health care systems that have recognized the fragmentation that has occurred with health plans and to look at systems which are beginning to change this approach. The examination includes looking at PCMH, also known as patient centered medical homes. The PCMH is known for including the most comprehensive solution for health care while adding in a reform based on consolidating aspects of the plan as opposed to creating a fragmented system. The particular approach begins with the foundation of offering health for all, specifically by offering equitable solutions for those that are interested in the care. The investigation which is associated with this includes the philosophy of whole person care, which is inclusive of changing both the internal environment and the relationships to families. The PCMH showed integration by including patients in not only care, but also in education and information, practical engagements and community alternatives for care. It also followed approaches to political and community engagements as a part of the main component. The importance of this article was in noting how the core principles were able to build the approaches toward patients and others in the community. This particular ideology is one which creates an understanding of health care and how it can alter the fragments by changing the focus. The investigation of eliminating fragmentation through this case study is seen with the policies, foundational aspects of health care and the actions and engagement that are implemented with the main system. This will compliment the other parts of the care by showing how the philosophy of whole health care is one which is offering better results for the current system. Mugavero, M. J., Norton, W. E., & Saag, M. S. (2010). Health care system and policy factors influencing engagement in HIV medical care: Piecing together the fragments of a fractured health care delivery system. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(Supplement 2), S238-S246. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciq048 The focus of this article is based on the concept of HIV as a part of the health care system and the special needs that are associated with those who have this specific problem. The article examines the system of the process of HIV, including testing, prevention, treatment and supportive services. When looking at these individually, the article is able to show how each step does not have activities or plans that are integrated for care. Most patients that are moving through one of the stages then don’t have the right type of service delivery or support that is integrated into the system. It was noted that the fragments at each of these stages cause more problems with individuals who need assistance, specifically because the right information is not available and needs can’t be met as easily. The conclusion of the article is based on the understanding that there needs to be a link with patients who need preventative services and care if they are suffering from the infection, specifically by combining together education, resources, care methods and services which are supposed to be available. The importance of this article for the purpose of this study is based on the socio – economic link to the health care system and how this determines the need to combine efforts within the main framework of health care. The social and economic link is specific to the current trends in HIV and the needs which are linked directly to preventative services, health care needs and other components that are a part of the system. This is followed by proof that there needs to be an integrated system, as opposed to the current fragmentation, that is able to help those that are engaged in the service delivery to assist the different services for HIV. Ozminkowski, R. J., Goetzel, R. Z., Wang, F., Gibson, T. B., Shechter, D., Musich, S., Edington, D. W. (2006). “The savings gained from participation in health promotion programs for Medicare beneficiaries”. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 48(11), 1125-1132. doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000240709.01860.8a This article is based on the concept of preventative care that is a part of health promotion programs, specifically among those who are in need of Medicare. A problem which is known to arise in terms of health care systems is based on misunderstandings of what is available and what needs to be done in terms of health. Many that are in need of assistance or specific forms often avoid the health care system because there are unknown factors which are a part of this. A common problem is known among Medicare, specifically with many of the elderly avoiding the preventative programs that are a part of this option. When other problems arise, it leads to a rise in the costs of health care and complexities because of the health care system. The methods for this particular article were based on looking at demographics and health status between the elderly and determining how promotional programs changed the amount of prevention taken among those. It was found that there was a savings of $101 - $648 per year by using the promotional programs for prevention services. The concept is to show how federal aid can change to promote Medicare and to offer substantial savings. This article will be used specifically to look at how health promotion is able to offer better preventative measures for those who need Medicare, specifically among the elderly. The preventative programs can be combined with the other integration which is needed in health care, specifically to change the associations which are a part of the programs and the way in which measures can be taken to change the overall available options. By using the understanding that promotion and education can also lead to cost savings, there can also be a determination that integrating the different concepts and needs for those who are looking into the health care system can also assist with the reform which is currently needed. Sterling, S., Weisner, C., Hinman, A., & Parthasarathy, S. (2010). Access to treatment for adolescents with substance use co-occurring disorders: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 49 (7), 637-646. The article examines the economic and systematic problems that are faced among demographic groups in the ability to receive both preventative and basic health care. The study is one which looks at the needs of adolescents that are in need of alcohol and drug preventative care and measures for overcoming abuse. The specific article looks at literature that examines and studies substance abuse among adolescents as well as what is available to youth, ranging from preventative services to initiatives which can be taken with those who are facing problems. The study looks at mental health programs, general health, public policies and other concepts that are associated with treatment. It is noted through this study that there are two main problems for adolescents who are in need of care. The first is from the fragmentation of services, ranging from preventative care to the mental health expectations to treat substance abuse. It is also noted that the fragmentation of services don’t allow this demographic group to receive assistance, specifically because there is not the ability to get the right services for the needed prices. The article challenges the system by stating the services should be integrated for better responses. This particular article will be used to understand the implementation and treatment that is needed for specific services while showing how fragmented programs do not allow those in need of health services and help to be available. Instead, it only leads to problems in receiving help in health care which then heightens the general health problems available. By showing how there is a difference between integrated systems, there is the ability to create a different approach toward offering health services based on specific needs. Wang, Y.C., Cheung, A. M., Bibbins-Domingo, K., Prosser, L. A., Cook, N. R., Goldman, L., & Gillman, M. W. (2010, September 17). “Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of blood pressure screening in adolescents in the United States”. The Journal of Pediatrics. 158 (2), e1-7. The ability to create the right preventative programs is one which can no longer be identified through different agendas and objectives. This article looks at the blood pressure screening of adolescents in the United States and how both preventative treatment and required health care is used within the system. It was noted that it is more cost effective for adolescents to receive care and treatment if they are at high risk with blood pressure and have given problems. The article shows that because of this result, most will not use preventative care because it is not a cost effective solution or viable for most. Instead, waiting until there are more problems with health care leads to changes that are within the system. The screen and treat as the most effective program shows that there are gaps in prevention methods while the lack of integration causes most to not receive care before problems accumulate with health. This article will be used to show how the fragmentation within the system costs more for patients and leads many into complexities with treatments that are needed among those who need help. If there are integrated methods that are used for preventative care and which are conducive to patients, then many of the complexities with health could be avoided. This article shows how this is one of the main needs within the health care system, specifically with increasing the focus on preventative care in the system. Woolf, S. H., Glasgow, R. E., Krist, A., Bartz, C., Flocke, S. A., Holtrop, J. S., ... Wald, E. R. (2005). “Putting It Together: Finding Success in Behavior Change Through Integration of Services”. The Annals of Family Medicine, 3(Suppl_2), S20-S27. doi: 10.1370/afm.367 The study that was used was based on finding and evaluating health programs which have already looked into the integrative methods that are required. The integration that was observed looked at what was altered, changed and reinforced within the health care institutes. There was then an evaluation of the unhealthy behaviors that were within the environment as well as the changes which were associated with this. The main gaps which were noted with the integrative solutions included preventative measures that should be available as well as self – help methods which would lead to several services that would be available by the health institute. The integration model was then able to incorporate information which was accessible outside of the health office and which was inclusive of self – help methods and possibilities for interventions for either prevention or other health care needs. When examining this study, it can be seen that there are important points in noting what the concept of integration means. The health care institutes provided integration by altering the services to be based on health care needs for patients through several methods that were able to work together, as opposed to keeping fragmented systems that did not empower citizens to receive care. This particular article will be used within the study to show how there is the need to have integration in both preventative terms and in association with health care assistance services. Williams, L. C., & T, D. B. (2011 mar-apr). “Medical cost savings for web-based wellness program participants from employers engaged in health promotion activities”. American Journal of Health Promotion, 25(4), 272-280. The purpose of this article was to create a basis of experimentation to define both preventative programs that could be used with technology as well as features related to integration within health care systems. The study was based on creating a web based wellness program for employees who were introduced to the program. Their activities were monitored, as well as enrollment that was a part of the program and insurance that was associated with the health program. It was noted that the activities with the web based program led to lower rates in insurance as well as more preventative measures which were taken among self – help programs that the individuals could use. By examining web based wellness programs as a part of preventative measures, health care has the capacity of building better responses in terms of insurance while creating more initiatives and needs with heath care costs. This particular belief can then be combined with promotions used for preventative care. The conclusions of this particular study will be used to show how the initiation of preventative measures and integration both can help with the overall health care crisis while assisting in more programs that build more positive responses among those in the community. This particular study is a way of showing how the specific integration methods can work in the community. Liu, C. W., Einstadter, D., & Cebul, R. D. (2010 june). ‘Care fragmentation and emergency department use among complex patients with diabetes”. American Journal of Managed Care, 16(6), 413-420. This particular article examines the way in which the fragmentation within health care systems causes problems with preventative care and responses among specific types of patients. The article looks at individuals who have diabetes and chronic kidney disease and which are in need of consistent care. It is noted that the fragmentation which occurs in the health care system caused those with diabetes to receive help for this particular issue in one health care system. However, most were also diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and were not able to receive assistance within the same health care system. It was noted that fragmented care increased as those diagnosed with more than one condition were added into the system with the inability to receive help in one region. This leads to an increase in insurance costs as well as the inability to receive help for both conditions, even though they are noted as being related to each other. This will be used in the main study to show that the preventative care, health care responses and the need for integration are required for better assistance of patients. In this instance, there is an example that shows that those who are not able to receive the required care also continue to suffer from both conditions without receiving the necessary answers. This does not allow the health care system to be of help to individuals, specifically because of fragmentation. By using this main theme in the research study, there will be the ability to show the problems with fragmentation in the main health care system. Divanoglou, A., Westgren, N., Bjelak, S., & Levi, R. (2010 june). Medical conditions and outcomes at 1 year after acute traumatic spinal injury in a Greek and a Swedish region: a prospective, population-based study. Spinal Cord, 48(6), 470-476. doi: doi:10.1038/sc.2009.147 This article is based on looking at specific health care systems and how it relates to the health factors based on traumatic spinal cord injury. The main evaluation was based on the general conditions of those who are diagnosed with the injury, how long they stay within the health care system and what the outcomes are after the trauma of one year. The observation was based on the Stockholm region with a hospital that is specialized in assisting with these injuries but which is known for a system which is fragmented and does not incorporate the main integration that is needed in health care systems. The observations from this hospital were compared to one which uses the system with an integrated approach. It was noted that there were significant differences with the fragmented and system based approach, specifically as the health care which integrated the system had higher recovery after one year in terms of neurological functions, physical abilities and discharge into the home. This article will be used in the study to show that fragmented systems not only cause problems within the main health care system but also lead to inadequate outcomes for those who need long term care and recovery. The results that show integration is required for guarantees of better recovery then lead to an understanding of how fragmented care costs more for the health of patients and does not help with recovery or prevention of health. Ormond, B. A., Spillman, B. C., Waldmann, T. A., Caswell, K. J., & Tereshchenko, B. (2011). “Potential National and State Medical Care Savings From Primary Disease Prevention”. American Journal of Public Health, 101(1), 157-164. doi: doi:10,2105/AJPH.2009.182287 This particular article examines the costs of medical care and how this is associated with the systems that are currently used with health care. The article notes that it is possible to reduce the medical costs from diseases with the use of preventative methods. This was discovered by examining individuals which had health issues and diseases. Patterns were noted about those who needed continuous care and how this related to different cost needs. The results showed that preventative care and integrated systems led to increased costs by up to $24.7 billion annually. Combining this with intervention programs increased the savings as well as the measures needed to ensure individuals were able to keep the right strategy to their personal health care and well – being. This article will be used in the research study to show how there is a direct relationship to the integrated system and preventative measures, as well as how this can help with the reform needed for health and better measures with integrated systems. Read More