Health care economics has the potential to affect each of us either personally or professionally

Write a brief 2-3 page report about a health care economic issue that you have identified. Address the reasons why you selected the issue you did; identify how this issue impacts the work of you, your colleagues, and your organization; and describe the gap that you see contributing to this issue.
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Introduction
Note: Each assessment in this course builds upon the work you have completed in previous assessments. Therefore, you must complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.
Health care economics has the potential to affect each of us either personally or professionally. This impact can be viewed from a health economics point-of-view (where we discuss the value of health care and its efficiency), or it can examine how health care is financed (focus on how health care is funded). Health economics and health care funding have the potential to influence health care outcomes in a variety of ways. As you move through this course, you will work toward developing a potential solution for a health care issue within your current or desired health care system. The goal of this assessment is to identify an economic health care issue that you will address throughout the course.
Context and Background
Health care economics has the potential to affect each of us either personally or professionally. This impact can be viewed from a health economics point-of-view (where we discuss the value of health care and its efficiency) or it can examine how health care is financed (focus on how health care is funded). Health economics and health care funding have the potential to influence health care outcomes in a variety of ways. The bulleted list below outlines topics and health care issues that many institutions encounter. Organizations often have to implement strategies or initiatives to resolve or improve these issues and create positive patient and institution outcomes.
Examples of health care economic issues:
• The influence of health care economics on community health—for example, social determinants of health (such as access to care and health care finance).
• Supply and demand: How do we in the health care environment exist when there are more needs from communities and patients than we have the resources to supply? An example of this would be a high number of patients and low resource levels such as staff, supplies, and equipment.
• The public’s attitude toward health, disease, and the health care system—for example, how money is distributed has the potential to impact the health care outcomes of certain populations. An example of this would be the lack of access and funding for underserved and rural communities.
• Other issues might include access to care, social determinants of health, senior health, food insecurity or food desserts, inadequate staffing, homelessness, rehospitalization environmental issues leading to chronic disease, et cetera.
As you move through this course, you will work toward developing a potential solution for a health care issue within your current or desired health care system. The goal of this assessment is to identify an economic health care issue that you will address throughout the course.
Later in the course, you will (a) conduct a needs analysis to justify your focus on this topic area using the literature of the field, (b) present an argument for change in your organization bolstered by a cost-benefit analysis, and (c) advocate for this change at the state level. Keep these future assessments in mind as you select your topic.

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The Economic Burden of Inadequate Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Kisumu County, Kenya

Introduction:

The escalating prevalence and inadequate management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant and growing healthcare economic issue in Kisumu County, Kenya. I have chosen to focus on this issue due to its profound impact on individual well-being, healthcare resource allocation, and overall economic productivity within our community. This report will outline the reasons for this selection, analyze its repercussions on my work, colleagues, and our healthcare organization, and describe the systemic gaps contributing to this challenge within the Kisumu context.

Reasons for Selecting Inadequate NCD Management:

Several compelling reasons have led me to identify the inadequate management of NCDs as a critical healthcare economic issue in Kisumu County:

Firstly, the epidemiological transition in Kenya, including Kisumu, indicates a rising burden of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases. While infectious diseases remain a concern, NCDs are increasingly becoming major contributors to morbidity and mortality. According to available data, cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, following infectious and cardiovascular diseases. This shift necessitates a corresponding focus and resource allocation towards NCD prevention and management.  

Secondly, the long-term nature of NCDs results in sustained healthcare costs. Unlike many infectious diseases that can be treated and resolved, NCDs often require lifelong management, including regular medical consultations, medication, diagnostic tests, and potential hospitalizations for complications. This places a significant and increasing strain on healthcare budgets at individual, household, and governmental levels.

Thirdly, the social determinants of health prevalent in Kisumu County exacerbate the NCD burden. Factors such as poverty, limited access to healthy diets, lack of awareness about risk factors, and inadequate access to healthcare services contribute to higher rates of NCDs and poorer management outcomes. Addressing the economic aspects of healthcare must consider these broader social and economic contexts.  

Finally, from a professional standpoint, I observe the daily struggles within our healthcare system to effectively manage the growing influx of NCD patients with limited resources and infrastructure. This firsthand experience underscores the urgent need to address the economic underpinnings of this healthcare challenge.

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  • Weak Primary Healthcare Systems: There is a significant gap in the capacity and resources of primary healthcare facilities to effectively screen for, diagnose, and manage common NCDs in their early stages. These facilities often lack adequate diagnostic equipment, trained personnel, and consistent access to essential medications for NCDs. This results in late diagnoses and delayed initiation of appropriate management.  
  • Limited Public Awareness and Health Literacy: A lack of public awareness regarding NCD risk factors, early warning signs, and the importance of healthy lifestyles contributes to higher rates of these diseases. Low health literacy levels also hinder individuals from effectively managing their conditions once diagnosed.  
  • Inadequate Funding and Resource Allocation: Despite the increasing burden of NCDs, resource allocation within the healthcare system often still prioritizes infectious diseases. There is a need for increased financial investment in NCD prevention programs, strengthening primary healthcare for NCD management, and ensuring affordable access to essential medicines and technologies.
  • Fragmented Care and Poor Coordination: There is often a lack of seamless coordination between different levels of care (primary, secondary, tertiary) and between government and non-governmental healthcare providers in the management of NCDs. This fragmentation can lead to duplication of efforts, gaps in follow-up, and suboptimal patient outcomes.  
  • Weak Data Collection and Surveillance Systems: Robust data on NCD prevalence, risk factors, and management outcomes are often lacking. This makes it difficult to accurately assess the burden of disease, monitor the effectiveness of interventions, and make informed policy decisions regarding resource allocation and program development.

Conclusion:

The inadequate management of non-communicable diseases poses a significant and growing healthcare economic issue in Kisumu County. Its impact is felt at individual, organizational, and community levels, contributing to increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and poorer health outcomes. Addressing the gaps in primary healthcare, public awareness, funding, care coordination, and data systems is crucial to mitigating the economic and health burdens of NCDs and ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for Kisumu County. This issue will serve as the focus for subsequent assessments in this course, where I will delve deeper into analyzing the problem, proposing potential solutions, and advocating for change.

 

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