Defining access to healthcare
We determined that what we REALLY mean when we say “access to healthcare” is that we want access to optimal care—optimal care being care that is beneficial to the individual, both in terms of medical and quality of life benefits. We struggled in pulling apart the balance between relying upon proven methods or evidence-based medicine and facilitating and driving innovation. That balance is crucial. We must move beyond saying everyone should be "covered" to ensuring that the coverage gives them access to optimal care.
How did we do?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think access to "optimal" health care is a very important distinction-- good job, working group! I think this gets to the crux of what critics of universal care often present-- that some countries that have universal health care lack "optimal" care. However, as you've noted, it's a very hard problem to solve-- I hope your discussion continues to be positive!
ReplyDeleteI agree that optimal health care is obviously preferred, but as the saying goes, let's not let the perfect get in way of the good (or something to that effect). As with all systems ("universal" or not), there will be compromise and prioritization. Let's make sure all stakeholders are involved in this discussion and process of optimizing and prioritizing.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree priority must be given but "who" determines it is a bigger part of the problem.
ReplyDeleteEducation and awareness is a key part of this discussion. Most people are not aware that meetings like this are taking place. Most people do not "think" about these things, they just want to feel better when they feel bad.
We have become a society that lives for the quick fix without being able to see the long term.
We are accustomed to believing what we are being told and then are amazed when, after further study or testing, the truth comes out.
Smoking eases stomach disorders then it cause cancer.
Sunscreen reduces the risk of cancer but now children in our country are developing rickets again because they are not getting adequate vitamin D.
Understanding how our bodies work as a whole and as an individual will help us develop the necessary treatments for our future.