Research the delivery, finance, management, and sustainability methods of the U.S. health care system. Evaluate the effectiveness of one or more of these areas on quality patient care and health outcomes. Propose a potential health care reform solution to improve effectiveness in the area you evaluated and predict the expected effect. Describe the effect of health care reform on the U.S. health care system and its respective stakeholders. Support your post with a peer-reviewed journal article.
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One area of the U.S. health care system that can be evaluated for its effectiveness on patient care and health outcomes is delivery. Delivery refers to how health care services are provided to individuals, including the organization of providers, access to care, and coordination of services.
According to a study published in the journal Health Affairs, there are significant variations in delivery of care across different regions in the U.S. This can lead to disparities in patient outcomes and quality of care. The study suggests that delivery system reforms, such as the adoption of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), can improve coordination of care and enhance patient outcomes.
One potential health care reform solution to improve the effectiveness of delivery is the implementation of integrated care models. Integrated care involves the coordination of primary care, behavioral health care, and social services to provide comprehensive and holistic care for patients. This approach can improve care coordination, reduce duplicative services, and enhance patient outcomes.
The expected effect of implementing integrated care models is an improvement in patient outcomes and a reduction in healthcare costs. According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, integrated care models have shown promising results in improving health outcomes, reducing hospitalizations, and decreasing healthcare expenditures.
Health care reform that promotes the adoption of integrated care models will have significant effects on the U.S. health care system and its respective stakeholders. Patients will benefit from improved access to comprehensive care and better health outcomes. Providers will need to adapt to new care coordination mechanisms and enhance their communication with other healthcare professionals. Payers will need to support the implementation of integrated care models and consider alternative payment models that incentivize quality and coordination of care.
In conclusion, the delivery of care plays a vital role in the effectiveness of the U.S. health care system in providing quality patient care and improving health outcomes. Implementing integrated care models as a health care reform solution can improve care coordination and lead to better patient outcomes. This reform will have significant effects on patients, providers, and payers, ultimately advancing the overall quality of the U.S. health care system.
Reference:
1. Fisher ES et al. (2007). The implications of regional variations in Medicare spending. Health Affairs, 26(1), w15-w30.
2. Peikes et al. (2012). Effects of care coordination on hospitalization, quality of care, and health care expenditures among Medicare beneficiaries: 15 randomized trials. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 27(12), 1361-1368.