Select 1–3 foreign countries, and provide the following information about the access, quality, and cost of health care:
- Compare a foreign country’s quality of care to the United States’ quality of care.
- Compare a foreign country’s cost of health care to the United States’ cost of health care.
- Compare 1 of the foreign countries’ access to medical care to the United States’ access to medical care.
- Give examples of how the World Health Organization (WHO) helps to provide health care in times of need.
Be sure to support your information by citing at least 2 scholarly references using APA format. Deliverable length 3-4 pages.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
When it comes to comparing health care systems around the world, there are a variety of factors that need to be taken into account. As a medical professor, I have researched and analyzed various health care systems to provide accurate and relevant information to college students. For this assignment, I will focus on three foreign countries and compare their access, quality, and cost of health care with that of the United States. I will also discuss how the World Health Organization provides health care in times of need.
Foreign Countries’ Access, Quality, and Cost of Health Care Compared to the United States:
1. Canada:
Access to Medical Care:
In Canada, health care is publicly funded, meaning that all citizens have access to medical care without the need for insurance or additional payment. Canadians have a health care plan that covers all medically necessary services, including doctor appointments and hospital stays. However, due to the high demand and shortage of health care providers, wait times for non-emergency procedures can be lengthy.
Quality of Care:
Canada has a high-quality health care system, with many medical professionals, excellent medical schools, and a comprehensive public health care system. The health care system focuses on equality and accessibility, and the government works toward meeting the needs of all its citizens.
Cost of Care:
According to the Commonwealth Fund, Canada spends much less on health care than the United States, with 10.4% of its GDP going toward health care, compared to 17.7% in the United States. However, taxes are higher in Canada to fund its health care system.
2. Germany:
Access to Medical Care:
Germany has a universal health care system, which means that everyone has access to medical care, regardless of income or employment status. German citizens can access health care and medical treatments from any medical professional or hospital. However, there may be wait times for non-emergency procedures.
Quality of Care:
Germany has a high-quality health care system, with many medical professionals and renowned medical schools. The country has a comprehensive public health care system that focuses on preventative care and early diagnosis, resulting in better health outcomes for patients.
Cost of Care:
According to the Commonwealth Fund, Germany spends less than the United States on health care, with 11.2% of its GDP going toward health care. The health care system is funded through a combination of taxes and contributions from employers and employees.
3. Australia:
Access to Medical Care:
Australia has a universal health care system, which means that all citizens have access to medically necessary treatments and services. Patients can receive treatment from any medical professional or hospital, regardless of location. However, there may be wait times for non-emergency procedures.
Quality of Care:
Australia has a high-quality health care system, with many medical professionals and renowned medical schools. The country has a comprehensive public health care system that focuses on preventative care and early diagnosis, resulting in better health outcomes for patients.
Cost of Care:
According to the World Health Organization, Australia spends approximately 9.6% of its GDP on health care, much less than the United States. The health care system is funded through a combination of taxes and private health insurance.
How the World Health Organization Helps to Provide Health Care in Times of Need:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works toward providing health care to people around the world, particularly those in underserved and less developed countries. The WHO provides technical assistance and training to governments and health care providers to improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and prevent and control the spread of diseases. The organization also responds to health emergencies, such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks, by providing medical supplies and expertise to affected communities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, comparing the access, quality, and cost of health care in foreign countries with the United States reveals that each country has its unique health care system. While the United States spends more on health care, other countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia have a comprehensive public health care system that offers access to medical care to all citizens. As medical students, it is essential to understand how the World Health Organization works to provide health care in times of need and to learn from other countries’ healthcare systems’ best practices.
