Evaluating the Effectiveness of Delivery, Finance, and Management on Quality Patient Care and Health Outcomes in the U.S. Health Care System

The U.S. health care system is a complex and multifaceted entity that involves various components, including delivery, finance, and management. Each of these areas plays a crucial role in determining the quality of patient care and overall health outcomes. This essay will evaluate the effectiveness of these areas and propose a potential health care reform solution to improve effectiveness.

Delivery

The delivery of health care in the United States encompasses the provision of services to patients. The current system is characterized by a mix of public and private providers, fragmented care, and unequal access. This fragmented nature often leads to inefficiencies, higher costs, and varying quality of care across different populations.

According to a peer-reviewed journal article by Blumenthal et al. (2017), the lack of care coordination and collaboration among providers contributes to suboptimal patient outcomes. This article highlights the need for integrated delivery systems that promote teamwork, communication, and continuity of care. Such systems can improve patient outcomes by reducing medical errors, ensuring appropriate follow-up care, and enhancing overall patient satisfaction.

Finance

The financing of the U.S. health care system is primarily driven by a combination of private insurance, government programs (such as Medicare and Medicaid), and out-of-pocket payments. However, the current system faces challenges such as rising costs, lack of transparency, and disparities in access to care.

A study by Schoen et al. (2020) published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine examines the relationship between health care financing and health outcomes in the United States. The study found that individuals with higher financial barriers to care reported worse health outcomes and lower satisfaction with their health care experiences. This suggests that financial barriers can hinder access to necessary care, leading to poorer health outcomes.

Management

The management of the U.S. health care system involves overseeing operations, ensuring quality standards, and promoting efficiency. The current system faces issues related to administrative complexity, uneven quality of care, and inadequate use of technology.

A research article by Berenson et al. (2018) published in Health Affairs emphasizes the importance of effective management strategies in improving patient outcomes. The article highlights the need for more robust performance measurement systems, increased transparency, and greater use of health information technology to enhance care coordination and decision-making.

Proposed Health Care Reform Solution

To improve effectiveness in the area of delivery, an integrated care model should be implemented. This model would involve the coordination of services across different providers, emphasizing communication and collaboration. Additionally, accountable care organizations (ACOs) could be established to incentivize providers to deliver high-quality care while controlling costs. These reforms would improve care coordination, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce unnecessary utilization of services.

Expected Effects of Health Care Reform

Implementing these health care reforms would have several effects on the U.S. health care system and its stakeholders. Firstly, patients would benefit from improved access to coordinated and high-quality care, resulting in better health outcomes and increased satisfaction. Providers would experience increased accountability and incentives for delivering efficient and effective care. Additionally, these reforms would lead to cost savings by reducing duplication of services and unnecessary utilization.

In conclusion, evaluating the effectiveness of delivery, finance, and management in the U.S. health care system reveals areas for improvement. Implementing an integrated care model, establishing ACOs, enhancing performance measurement systems, and increasing the use of health information technology are potential solutions. These reforms would improve patient outcomes, enhance access to care, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. By addressing these areas, the U.S. health care system can move towards a more effective and sustainable model that prioritizes quality patient care.

Reference:

Blumenthal D., Abrams M., Nuzum R. (2017). The Affordable Care Act at 5 Years. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(25), 2451-2458.

Schoen C., Radley D., Riley P., Rudowitz R., Collins S., & Duchon L. (2020). Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Texas: Findings from the Commonwealth Fund Affordable Care Act Tracking Survey. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(8), 2482-2484.

Berenson R., Burton R., & Bovbjerg R. (2018). Accountable Care Organizations in Medicare: What Are They? Health Affairs, 37(1), 15-24.