Social and Economic Factors that Influence Our Health and Contribute to Healthcare

◾Income ◾Employment and working conditions ◾Food security ◾Environment and housing ◾Early childhood development and education ◾Education and literacy ◾Social support ◾Health behaviors

IMPACT? Economic and social drivers such as income, education and social class have a direct bearing on health.

Think about it very low incomes-- for example, often lack resources and access to nutritious food, adequate housing, safe walking paths and working conditions, which can impact negatively on their health. may face financial and life stress, which – over time – can have health consequences such as high blood pressure, or immune and circulatory complications. those who have adequate income and employment are likely to experience health outcomes that are less dependent on material needs.

Examples lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, increase obesity, and put us at risk of developing diabetes and heart disease

Examples if people can't afford to buy organic foods or fresh fruits and vegetables, they often will opt for cheaper fast food that will make them fatter and sicker

There is the belief that a better health care "system" results in better health.

Solution? Education of all individuals about the ways in which diet and lifestyle can impact our health, but also on improving access to higher-quality foods for those with a lower socioeconomic status. A solid health foundation is built on awareness

Types of Insurance Makes a difference in healthcare Medicare Medicaid Private (individually paid-managed care) Group (employer split-managed care ) Obamacare

Effects of Technology on Health Care

Today, healthcare is increasingly driven by digital technology Today, healthcare is increasingly driven by digital technology. Most medical equipment's today run on digital platforms. Hospitals, clinics and many other healthcare facilities are increasingly dependent on hospital information software. Yet, healthcare is becoming increasingly expensive and out-of-reach for the common man

Medicine in the 21st century is increasingly dependent on technology. the cost of medical technology is not declining and its increasing use contributes to the spiraling healthcare costs

Examples of changes in technology would include new medical and surgical procedures angioplasty, joint replacements, drugs, medical devices, CT scanners, implantable defibrillators, and new support systems, electronic medical records and transmission of information, telemedicine There is very little in the field of medicine that does not use some type of medical technology and that has not been affected by new technology.

Is increasing technology better? Why or why not? But what about better patient outcomes?

Factors that influence healthcare and cost (The Other )

Aging population Like the rest of the world, the US is an ageing society. This will place substantial additional pressure on publicly-funded health, long-term and income support programs for older people. Largely as a result of higher fertility rates and immigration, America’s population, while ageing, is nonetheless likely to remain distinctly younger than other developed countries

How baby boomers will affect the health care industry in the U.S. According to the AMA the population of individuals over the age of 65 will increase by 73 percent between 2010 and 2030, meaning one in five Americans will be a senior citizen. born between the years 1946 and 1964 are categorized as baby boomers, Many older Americans suffer from multiple chronic illnesses, putting a strain on providers and the Medicare program.

Baby Boomers…………Now What? Individuals with chronic illnesses are more likely to end up in the hospital from getting the flu, falling or catching a cold. It’s more expensive for hospitals to treat patients with chronic conditions because those individuals are more vulnerable to other illnesses. Without drastic changes to the health care system, issues of cost are predicted to worsen

Financing Malpractice Premiums--$$$ Underinsured—John Q Increasing Cost—technology, drugs

Culture All cultures have systems of health beliefs to explain what causes illness, how it can be cured or treated, and who should be involved in the process. The extent to which patients perceive patient education can have a profound effect on their reception to information provided and their willingness to use it.

Culture Western medicine– (US) see disease as a result of natural science and advocate medical treatments that combat microorganisms or use sophisticated technology Other societies believe that illness is the result of supernatural phenomena and promote prayer or other spiritual interventions that counter the presumed disfavor of powerful forces Examples: Asians/Pacific Islanders--maintaining harmony is an important value Vietnamese culture-- mystical beliefs. Health is viewed as the result of a harmonious balance between the poles of hot and cold that govern bodily functions.