Question

What is a useful measure of overall quality in relation to the U.S. healthcare system? ( explain in 300 words)

Answer 1

USA treats its healthcare problems and statistics quite seriously. The country thinks about the health and wellness of its people and is known to come up with initiatives, policies and programs which facilitate the same. Quality is another major concern in the healthcare systems of USA. Every initiative, policy and program is developed with the objective of facilitating quality of health and wellness in the country.

The country is also known for evaluating the quality of healthcare quite stringently. The government has laid down a structured quality auditing and monitoring process where the quality of the healthcare is assessed on 3 dimensions – process, structure and outcome. Quality adherence is of prime concern as in healthcare sector, the life of a patient can be lost if the quality of healthcare has been ignored or compromised. Life of a human being is quite precious and the US government as well as its healthcare tries hard to revive and save the same from any kind of illness. The country has set up a dedicated auditing department which works with the prime objective of conducting random audits on healthcare and healthcare providers and check for the quality quotient in the diagnosis, treatment and patient care provided by them. The auditing team evaluates the service delivery on various metrics:

• Rate of Mortality
• Effectiveness of Care
• Safety of Care
• Data and Information Transparency
• Data Privacy of Patients

If a healthcare is found to be compromising on any front, monetary punishments are levied on the organization. The healthcare will be required to work on the quality measure and improve it. This way, USA maintains the health and wellness of its citizens.