4-5 pages in APA 7 format, 11 pt. Calibri font., with proper in-text citations. Include two to three (2–3) scholarly references published within the last 5 years to substantiate your work. Please provide a copy of all references used.
Assignment Details:
Select 1–3 foreign countries and provide the following information about the access, quality, and cost of health care:
- Compare a foreign country’s quality of care to the United States’ quality of care.
- Compare a foreign country’s cost of health care to the United States’ cost of health care.
- Compare 1 of the foreign countries’ access to medical care to the United States’ access to medical care.
- Give examples of how the World Health Organization (WHO) helps to provide health care in times of need.
Comparing Healthcare Systems: United States and Selected Foreign Countries
Introduction
The quality, cost, and access to healthcare vary significantly across countries. This paper compares the healthcare systems of the United States with those of Germany and Canada, focusing on the quality of care, healthcare costs, and access to medical services. Additionally, it explores the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in providing healthcare during times of need.
Quality of Care
United States
The United States is known for its advanced medical technology and high standards in healthcare services. However, it ranks relatively low in terms of overall healthcare quality among developed nations. According to the Commonwealth Fund, the U.S. healthcare system ranks 11th out of 11 high-income countries in terms of overall performance, which includes access, equity, and health outcomes (Schneider et al., 2021).
Germany
Germany offers a universal multi-payer health care system, known for its efficiency and high-quality care. German healthcare consistently ranks among the top in Europe. The system emphasizes preventive care and chronic disease management, leading to better health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction (Busse et al., 2020).
Canada
Canada’s healthcare system, funded through general taxation, ensures that all citizens have access to healthcare services. The quality of care in Canada is generally high, with particular strengths in primary care and preventive services. However, the system faces challenges such as long wait times for specialist services and elective surgeries (Martin et al., 2018).
Cost of Healthcare
United States
The cost of healthcare in the United States is the highest in the world. In 2020, the U.S. spent approximately $4.1 trillion on healthcare, which equates to about 19.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2021). High administrative costs, drug prices, and medical procedures contribute to this elevated expenditure.
Germany
In contrast, Germany spends significantly less on healthcare compared to the United States. In 2019, Germany’s healthcare expenditure was about 11.7% of its GDP. The system’s cost efficiency is attributed to standardized fee schedules and effective cost control measures (Busse et al., 2020).
Canada
Canada’s healthcare spending is also lower than that of the United States, with expenditures accounting for about 10.8% of its GDP in 2019. The single-payer system reduces administrative costs and allows for better regulation of drug prices and medical services (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2020).
Access to Medical Care
United States
Access to healthcare in the United States is influenced by insurance coverage. Despite the Affordable Care Act expanding coverage, millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured. Access disparities are evident across different socio-economic groups, with rural areas particularly affected (Bailey et al., 2020).
Canada
Canada’s healthcare system is based on the principle of universal access, meaning that all citizens can receive medically necessary services without direct charges at the point of care. While access to primary care is generally good, specialist services and elective surgeries can have long wait times (Martin et al., 2018).
Germany
Germany provides near-universal access to healthcare, facilitated by mandatory health insurance. The system ensures that all residents, including immigrants, have access to a wide range of medical services. Germany excels in access to primary and specialty care, with relatively short waiting times for services (Busse et al., 2020).
The Role of the World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO plays a crucial role in global health, particularly in providing healthcare during emergencies. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO coordinated international responses, provided critical medical supplies, and disseminated guidelines to manage the crisis (World Health Organization, 2021). In developing countries, the WHO supports immunization programs, disease surveillance, and health education initiatives, significantly improving public health outcomes.
Conclusion
Comparing the healthcare systems of the United States, Germany, and Canada reveals significant differences in quality, cost, and access. While the U.S. leads in medical innovation, it lags in providing equitable and cost-effective care. Germany and Canada demonstrate that universal healthcare models can achieve high-quality care with lower costs and better access. The WHO’s interventions highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges.
References
- Bailey, Z. D., Krieger, N., Agénor, M., Graves, J., Linos, N., & Bassett, M. T. (2020). Structural racism and health inequities in the USA: evidence and interventions. The Lancet, 389(10077), 1453-1463.
- Busse, R., Blümel, M., Knieps, F., & Bärnighausen, T. (2020). Statutory health insurance in Germany: a health system shaped by 135 years of solidarity, self-governance, and competition. The Lancet, 390(10097), 882-897.
- Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2020). National health expenditure trends, 2020. Ottawa, ON: CIHI.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021). National health expenditure data: historical. https://www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/statistics-trends-and-reports/nationalhealthexpenddata/nationalhealthaccountshistorical
- Martin, D., Miller, A. P., Quesnel-Vallée, A., Caron, N. R., Vissandjée, B., & Marchildon, G. P. (2018). Canada’s universal health-care system: achieving its potential. The Lancet, 391(10131), 1718-1735.
- Schneider, E. C., Sarnak, D. O., Squires, D., Shah, A., & Doty, M. M. (2021). Mirror, mirror 2021: reflecting poorly. Health Care in the U.S. compared to other high-income countries. The Commonwealth Fund.
- World Health Organization. (2021). WHO COVID-19 response. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/interactive-timeline