5 Ways Policy Makers Are Looking To Improve Healthcare for Masses
Healthcare has always been an international agenda and stays on top of global concerns. Whenever we have to research or fetch authentic information regarding healthcare, the first name that pops up in our minds is the World Health Organization. From spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS to finding vaccination and ensuring the availability of healthcare resources in underdeveloped countries, WHO (World Health Organization) has always been at the frontline.
Digging into the health policies of any country dating to 2018 and comparing its recent changes will reveal a significant difference. Changes to health policies are essential as they play a substantial role in framing the outlook of the general healthcare system. Hospitals are snowballing with patients, and the demand for patient satisfaction and quality care is on the rise. With aged people retiring and unseen pandemics, the healthcare system has endured many changes calling for major tweaks in the projected healthcare policies for the future.
The word healthcare policy entails more than just a policy. It undermines the factors involved in improving the healthcare system and the drivers of the healthcare system, i.e., doctors and other professionals. The year 2020 has brought major changes to every aspect of life, with health being on the top. The world had to face many challenges affecting communities, businesses, and health policies; practicing social distancing while looking after patients was a major task for policymakers. Had it not been for policymakers’ quick wits, fighting the pandemic would have become more difficult than it already is. This article entails the ways policymakers have incorporated to improve healthcare.
- Availability, Telehealth, and Telemedicine
A year ago, the concept of treating remote patients was an achievable dream only in the upcoming decade. The COVID-19 pandemic made the health administrators take up relevant courses, for example, an MHA online, to ensure healthcare availability by adding to the number of qualified professionals. Furthermore, hospital administrators looked for a common ground to attend to patients admitted in COVID wards and those confined at home. While nurses and doctors attended the COVID-infected patients, those with chronic diseases relied on doctors as well. Introducing telehealth and telemedicine facilitated doctors and patients alike. Different portals and other telehealth resources assisted many patients in getting their queries and health concerns resolved.
- Quality Care And Patient Satisfaction
Patient satisfaction is one of the key factors in improving the healthcare system. If a hospital fails to provide quality care to its patient, they will never revisit the hospital. Value-based transformation in the healthcare system is underway. Urban areas have a well-developed healthcare infrastructure and ample resources. However, the rural areas require more facilities and quality care to control the prevalent diseases and other common health issues arising from poor living conditions. Physicians and healthcare administrators are focusing on reforming healthcare policies within organizations to set up quality care practices ensuring patient satisfaction.
- Awareness Campaigns
With the current pandemic, we have witnessed the impact of mass awareness campaigns and their role in preventing the escalation of cases. In times where physical or social contact with anyone can lead to worsened conditions, incorporating communication media in healthcare policies has globally facilitated healthcare systems. Awareness campaigns involving doctors, nurses, and other public or community health workers can alleviate the poor health conditions due to lack of information and promoting proper hygienic practices. Health policies involve the health and well-being of every individual residing in a country or a region. A simple comparison between urban and rural life qualities can give us a detailed insight into the healthcare situation. Suggesting monthly medical camps in areas with fewer healthcare facilities can improve the situation gradually.
- Diagnostic and preventive strategies
The primary objective of every healthcare system and a healthcare administrator is to provide quality care to patients with accurate diagnoses and treatments. The field of medicine has evolved tremendously, and the treatment methods are no longer the same. We see many non-invasive treatment techniques facilitating complex procedures and preventing excessive damage to the body. Public health workers play a substantial role in devising healthcare policies. They understand and research the causes of epidemics, helping the scientists come up with a cure. With the most advanced technologies and evidence-based treatment methods, we can enhance patient care at lowered costs.
- Building Immunity
The pandemic of COVID-19 remained a mystery till the beginning of the year 2021. The only cure known for preventing this virus was some hygiene practices that involved washing hands, wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Besides tending to hundreds of patients, the global health experts and researchers were looking for a cure to build immunity against this virus. Vaccinations have always proven to be a strong contributor in building herd immunity among the masses to minimize the intensity of symptoms and prevent sudden deaths. Policymakers shall focus on the common diseases that can affect a person’s health and ensure that everyone receives immunity through vaccines or other forms. Vaccination and immunization play a vital role in preventing the further spread of diseases, lowering the intensity and incidences of symptoms, and providing protection against different pathogens.
Conclusion
Improved and enhanced performance to control the emerging and re-emerging diseases depends on the quality and equity of health systems. Effective researches and adequate funding can reshape any healthcare system’s performance in achieving the health goals of a general population. Healthcare policies entail various aspects associated with the well-being of the general population. Policymakers can research and gather data while devising policies, but their implementation has a significant impact on the outlook of a healthcare facility. Healthcare administrators and other professionals can drive the successful implementation of such policies targeting the health of many people in the longer run.
