HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Health Care Delivery System A Health Care System is a method for delivering health care. A systems theory is defined as a set of interacting units with relationships among them.
Hospitals can be operated by government agencies, University or College Medical Centers, be public, private, religious, and be for profit or not-for-profit
General Hospital Facility where patients are hospitalized a short time (few days to a few weeks) Provide a wide range of diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency services Most small town hospitals are classified as general hospitals
Specialty Hospitals Provide care for specific chronic illnesses or ages. (examples: burn, cancer, children, psychiatric) Patients are usually hospitalized for a long time.
Government Agencies The federal, state, and local governments provide health services. Government hospitals provides care for veterans who served in the armed forces- (example- King Veterans Home) These services are funded by taxes and/or patient fees!
Nonprofit / Volunteer Agencies Supported by donations, membership fees, fundraisers, and federal or state grants Provide health services at national, state, and local levels Most focus on specific diseases or health professionals The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are examples of this type of agency
Religious Funding is based on religious support and/or patient fees. St. Elizabeth s Hospital in Appleton, WI is an example. Two charitable foundations help Affinity Health System accomplish its mission of living out the healing ministry of Christ with a special emphasis on serving those in need. St. Elizabeth Hospital Community Foundation focuses on programs and facilities in Affinity s northern region, and Mercy Health Foundation focuses on Affinity s southern region.
University or College Medical Center Found in schools and colleges Services provided: emergency care, tests, health education, counseling Maintain safe and sanitary school environments Health Services - Offers quality medical care to all UWSP students, including lab work, pharmacy, immunizations, minor surgical procedures, physical therapy and physical exams, most of which are prepaid through tuition and fees
Long Term Care Facilities Generally care for elderly, disabled, and individuals with chronic or longterm illness who need nursing services and personal care Individuals receiving care are called residents Nursing homes, community based residential facilities (CBRF), assisted living facilities
Extended Care Facility This health care facility functions as a bridge between hospital and home or other long-term care facility when no longer acutely ill. Provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation care
Clinics/Medical Offices Privately owned offices to large complexes operating as corporations and employing many different doctors and other health care professionals. Some treat a wide variety of illnesses/ages, others specialize and deal with only certain age groups or conditions. Examples: dental offices, pediatrics, cardiology, obstetrics, optical centers
Home Health Care Provide care in patient s home Personal care (bathing, dressing) therapy, homemaking (food preparation, cleaning, washing), nursing, etc. Home health services can be offered by health departments, hospitals, private agencies, government agencies, nonprofit agencies, volunteer groups Affinity Visiting Nursing, Theda Care Home Health
Hospice care This organization helps care for terminally ill patients (less than 6 months to live) Most common diagnosis for these patients is cancer Philosophy is to help the terminally ill patient live each day to the fullest - usually at home or hospice facility Patients are kept comfortable and free from pain Involves family. Provide psychological, social, spiritual, and financial counseling for both patient and family.
Mental Health Facilities Deal with mental diseases and disorders Examples: Guidance and counseling centers Psychiatric clinics and hospitals Chemical abuse treatment centers Physical abuse treatment centers
Rehabilitation Centers Provide care directed at helping physically or mentally handicapped patient obtain maximum self-care function Can include hospitals, clinics, and/or private centers. Patients may stay in these facilities or be treated on an outpatient basis (patient does not require hospitalization but is under a physician s care.) Services can include physical, occupational, recreational, speech, and hearing therapies
Emergency Medical Services Emergency Medical Services extend medical care from the point of injury to the emergency department of a hospital or trauma center. The EMS focuses on rapid response to sudden illness and injury. May use ambulance or helicopter
Laboratories Laboratories perform tests on blood, body fluids, and tissues. Laboratories may be free-standing or found in a clinic or hospital. Labs help to diagnose disease and help to determine appropriate treatment.
Industrial Health Care Centers Located in large industries or companies Provide health care for employees of the industry Provide basic exams, teach accident prevention/safety, provide emergency care
World Health Organization An international agency sponsored by the United Nations Founded in 1948 Concerned with world health problems and publishes health information, compiles statistics, and investigates serious health problems worldwide
US Public Health Department Is a federal agency that has 6 major responsibilities: Performing research for diseases that kill, handicap, or cripple Preventing & treating alcohol and drug abuse Preventing and controlling diseases that are transmitted by insects, animals, air, water, and people.
US Public Health Department (continued) FDA (Federal Drug Administration - Checks food and drugs that consumers purchase for safety Planning more effective ways to deliver health services Making quality care available and affordable by encouraging health personal to work in undeserved areas. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
The Public Health Department Provides services to local communities Responsible for reporting communicable diseases, public health nursing, health education, environmental sanitation (methods used to keep the environment clean Keeps records including immunization records, health inspections, birth records, and death statistics. Also provides maternal and child health services