and Tools for Future and Creating Resilience
Actions for Week 11. Challenges and Tools for Future and
Creating Resilience
This week’s discussions are a bit of a jumble. We examine
three extremely important, but often overlooked, issues.
Globalization is a phenomenon that cuts across many
industries. The concept of “made in” a nation is almost irrelevant. According
to Cars.com
(http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=ami&story=amMade0611),
the top two car models built in the United States are the Toyota Camry and
Honda Accord.
This international perspective applies to healthcare as
well. Until recently, Zika was an obscure disease, a footnote in communicable
disease references. Rapid international travel and global commerce move people
and products around the world faster than ever – and this includes diseases
carried along the way.
Far from a distant concern, disease, illness, and injury
have worldwide relevance. Take some time to browse two analyses of this
impact:
World Health Organization: Global Health Estimates (GHE)
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation: Global Burden
of Disease (GBD)
The international market allows us to comparison shop. Would
you consider a surgical procedure, say a hip replacement, in India if it cost a
fraction of the price of the same procedure in the U.S. and the facility was
accredited by a deemed status organization? Perhaps more importantly, would your
health insurance consider it?
Technology enables options unthought-of of just a generation
ago. This week’s readings touch upon some of the ways this is happening.
Physical distance and boundaries become a planning factor, instead of an
obstacle.
Healthcare infrastructure – people, facilities, and
capabilities – is a critical component of society. Keeping that facet
operational is an increasingly relevant matter. When a health emergency arises
or a disaster occurs, the ability to meet the peoples’ needs becomes important.
When the hospital, clinic, or public health system is victim, that need is
paramount. Being prepared for the unpredictable and the unthinkable is a
universal responsibility. However, the realm of emergency preparedness and
response is an emerging body of knowledge. This week’s second Discussion
explores this topic.
Medical Tourism
Based on the information provided, what (as a healthcare
professional) would you recommend to a family member considering these
services? Remember to build your recommendation on facts and relevant research
(not opinion). Why would an overseas procedure be a good option? Why might it
not? Why might someone want to come to the United States for medical treatment?
Creating Resilience
Research one of the following incidents.
Hurricane Andrew
The Northridge Earthquake
The 2001 postal anthrax attacks
Hurricane Katrina
The Joplin Tornado
The Tuscaloosa Tornado (see
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQbACBXWCG0 for a fascinating first person
account)
Superstorm Sandy
The 2014 Ebola outbreak
How did the event impact the hospital and health
community? What steps could have been taken to better prepare? To better
respond? Does your institution or workplace have a continuity of operations
(COOP) plan? Do you test it regularly?
