Access to Health Care
The difference in Health Care Access throughout the global North.
In this story map I would like to focus on Health care access in the global North focusing on specific regions and the ability different people of all wealth are able to access health care.
I chose health care access as my topic because I am planning on being a physical therapist which is in the health care industry. Another reason I chose to research this topic is because I strongly believe it is important for everyone to have equal access to health care, as it is a crucial part of living a long and healthy life.
What does health care look like in different places throughout the world?
Health care looks very different in every country, it all breaks down to 10 different components that all contribute to how decisions are made. These are: Coverage, funding, costs, providers, integration, markets, analysis, supply, satisfaction, and leadership.
What are things that restrict people from having access to basic health care?
Access it basic needs an health care is limited when you are apart of a marginalized group, lower income, lower working class, and transportation and language barriers.
Who is in charge of making health care related decisions throughout the world?
In America the Federal agency is in charge of health care, but in other countries it depends how the construct their government.
"US Department of Health and Human Services. “Access to Health Services .” Healthy People 2030, 2020, health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/access-health-services."
"Many people face barriers that prevent or limit access to needed health care services, which may increase the risk of poor health outcomes and health disparities."
This source is about the fact that there is many barriers that keep people from have access to basic health care needs. The article states the 5 main reasons why one may lack access, these being: economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context.
The authors point is to address the negative affects of not having access and state which minorities are lacking access.
This contributes to my research because it gives 5 examples of why someone might not have access to health care and what the affects are from that. I learned that health insurance coverage is one of the largest barriers to health care access.
"Núñez, Alicia, et al. “Access to Healthcare during COVID-19.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 6, 14 Mar. 2021, p. 2980, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7999346/, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062980.
"Supplies are limited and people fear accessing healthcare providers. Nowadays, the population is also starting to fear the effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, it is essential to ensure access to medical care to prevent illnesses and deaths from COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases in already weak health systems."
This source is specific to health care access during COVID-19 which was a time where there was many people who experienced the negative affects from lack of access more than usual.
The authors point is to provide information about COVID-19 and what health care access looked like during that time.
This contributes to my research because it is a specific example of a time of need for equal access because there was so many people needing care but not enough supplies to go around. I learned about the planning and calculations that local government used to portion out supplies.
" “Transform the System of Care.” Www.siemens-Healthineers.com, www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-us/insights/transforming-the-system-of-care."
"Despite significant advancements, over 80% of the United States lacks adequate healthcare infrastructure in some shape or form—with millions of Americas receiving care that rivals Third World standards.
This source is about innovative approaches, technologies, or practices that Siemens Healthineers are advocating for or implementing to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This includes topics such as digitalization, automation, telehealth, or advancements in medical imaging and diagnostics.
The author's point in the article is to emphasize the need for and the potential benefits of transforming the healthcare system. This transformation may involve adopting new technologies, implementing innovative practices, and reshaping the way healthcare services are delivered to improve patient outcomes and overall efficiency.
This source contributes to my research because it talks about different tools and technology used in health care and how some of them are very hard to get access to but very helpful. I learned a lot about some devices that have changed many peoples lives.
"Wolters Kluwer. “Five Key Barriers to Healthcare Access in the United States.” Wolters Kluwer, 27 July 2022, www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/five-key-barriers-to-healthcare-access-in-the-united-states."
"Access concerns are significant, but with specialized tools and engaged stakeholders, a better future is possible."
This source is about the major obstacles preventing people from accessing healthcare services in the United States. It goes into factors such as affordability, insurance coverage, geographic barriers, socio-economic disparities, and systemic issues within the healthcare system. The article also offers insights and potential solutions to address these barriers and improve healthcare access for all individuals across the country.
The authors point is to outline and discuss the significant obstacles that people face when trying to access healthcare services in the United States. These barriers include issues related to affordability, insurance coverage, geographical access, socio-economic disparities, and systemic challenges within the healthcare system.
This source contributes to my research because it states the many different barriers of health care access and the obstacles that people face. I learned about solutions to make a better future possible.
" “These U.S. States Have the Best Healthcare Access.” Usnews.com, 2019, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/health-care/healthcare-access."
"The lack of access to quality health care increases the financial and public health burden on state residents as individuals and together as a population"
This source provides rankings and analysis of healthcare access across different states in the United States. It includes factors such as insurance coverage, affordability, availability of healthcare services, and other metrics related to accessibility.
The authors point is to highlight variations in healthcare access between states and potentially identify areas for improvement within each state's healthcare system.
This source contributes to my research because it is specifically about the financial barrier that keeps people from accessing health care. I learned about many what health care looks like not only in US as a whole but in each state individually.
"Rural Health Information Hub. “Healthcare Access in Rural Communities Introduction.” Rural Health Information Hub, 19 Apr. 2024, www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/healthcare-access."
"Access to healthcare implies that healthcare services are available and obtainable in a timely manner."
This source provides information, resources, and data related to healthcare access in rural areas. It covers challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare services, such as limited provider availability, transportation barriers, and economic factors. The source also offers insights into strategies, programs, and policies aimed at improving healthcare access in rural regions.
The authors point is to provide comprehensive information, resources, and data on healthcare access in rural areas. By focusing on this topic, the author aims to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare services.
This source contributes to my research because it references lots of data including the map seen below about areas in the US and their shortage or primary care. I learned a lot from this article because I am a visual person so it helped me to see all the statistics.
" “Johnson & Johnson Health for Humanity Report 2023 - Home.” Johnson & Johnson Health for Humanity Report 2023, healthforhumanityreport.jnj.com/2023/."
"As we continue to close the gap between community and care, we can make a truly profound impact on health for humanity. Enhancing equitable access to our medicines and medical devices and helping make them available to patients around the world is core to our approach. At the same time, we invest heavily in supporting the healthcare workforce to bolster community care systems"
This source is about the insights into the company's efforts and initiatives related to healthcare, sustainability, and social responsibility. It covers topics such as innovation in healthcare, community health programs, environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The authors point is to show the company's commitment to advancing global health and well-being. The report highlights Johnson & Johnson's initiatives, programs, and partnerships aimed at addressing key health challenges and improving access to healthcare around the world.
This source contributes to my research because it is providing a solution to my topic. I learned that Johnson & Johnson's is such a huge advocate for health care access.
After doing research on health care access throughout the world but mostly the US, I have learned many things. There are tons of barriers that prevent people from having access to basic needs. I also learned about what health care looks like in different areas of the world and in different states. I learned many statistics from past and future health care distribution. And most important I learned a few things that contribute towards resolving the problem of lack of access.
What I have learned has related to what we have learned in class because throughout the term we have looked at many global issues and how they are resolved which is what I did with my research. We also have explored health and wellbeing around the world in one of our chapters that we read about.
My topic relates to the Geographies of the Global North because it addresses disparities, improving health outcomes, and promoting health equity across diverse populations and geographic regions.
