Understanding Health Policy
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of health policy?

  • The development of new medical technologies and treatments.
  • The financial management of healthcare organizations.
  • Decisions, plans, and actions to achieve specific healthcare goals within a society. (correct)
  • The study of individual healthcare choices and behaviors.

In the context of health policy, what does 'the polis' primarily refer to?

  • The economic factors influencing healthcare costs.
  • A specific healthcare facility or institution.
  • The public or political realm where collective interests and governance shape health decisions. (correct)
  • A statistical method used to analyze health outcomes.

How does ideology typically influence health policy?

  • By standardizing healthcare practices across different cultural contexts.
  • By establishing fixed scientific criteria for healthcare decisions.
  • By shaping beliefs, values, and principles that guide policy decisions and social norms. (correct)
  • By providing a neutral, unbiased framework for policy analysis.

Which of the following is a key tenet of neoliberalism that directly impacts health policy?

<p>Limited government intervention and promotion of market-driven policies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A public health initiative aims to improve access to healthy food in low-income neighborhoods, recognizing that poverty and food availability significantly impact health outcomes. This approach best exemplifies which perspective?

<p>Socio-environmental perspective (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is examining the validity of different methods used to measure patient satisfaction in hospitals. Which field of study is most relevant to this research?

<p>Epistemology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a post-positivist approach influence health policy research?

<p>By acknowledging the fallibility of knowledge and considering context, values, and subjectivity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A policy that mandates all hospitals within a state to adopt a specific electronic health record system would be considered what type of policy level?

<p>Meso-level (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT significantly contribute to healthcare access disparities in remote, rural, and Indigenous communities?

<p>High concentration of specialized medical professionals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of physicians in the establishment of Canada's Medicare system?

<p>Advocating for publicly funded healthcare and universal access. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have physicians influenced the day-to-day functioning of Canada’s healthcare system?

<p>Through contributions to clinical guidelines, hospital practices, and healthcare policies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key area of tension in the role physicians play within the Canadian healthcare system?

<p>Balancing ethical obligations to provide care with economic interests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do physicians' professional associations engage with the Canadian healthcare system?

<p>Through discussions on physician remuneration, working conditions, and quality of care. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant area where physicians have advocated for reforms within the Canadian healthcare system?

<p>Reducing wait times and increasing healthcare accessibility for patients. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action represents how physicians challenge aspects of the Canadian healthcare system?

<p>Resisting cost-cutting measures that may impact patient care quality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the dual role physicians play, what best describes their overall influence on the Canadian health system's evolution?

<p>Physicians play a pivotal role, both advancing and challenging facets of healthcare delivery. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In deeply divided societies, which model is MOST effective in explaining the complexities and tensions in policy formulation?

<p>The conflict model, due to its focus on societal tensions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the market concept of society view the role of government in addressing social needs like healthcare?

<p>Government intervention should be minimal, with the private sector taking the lead. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST encapsulates the polis concept's view on societal responsibilities?

<p>Emphasizing social cohesion, equity, and the public good, with collective governance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of health policy, what fundamental question does ontology seek to address?

<p>What is the nature of health, and what is the state's role in ensuring public health? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does epistemology contribute to the development of health policy?

<p>By providing a framework for understanding the sources and nature of knowledge used to inform policy decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is evaluating the impact of a new public health initiative using interviews and statistical analyses. Which aspect of policy analysis does this BEST represent?

<p>Methodology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which core tenet of Critical Social Theory aligns with the idea that healthcare access is significantly influenced by socioeconomic status?

<p>The emphasis on power dynamics and structural inequalities in shaping society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of policy BEST describes a study evaluating the effectiveness of a smoking cessation program on individual health outcomes?

<p>Micro-level (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A policy addressing hospital management and community health programs falls under which level of policy?

<p>Meso-level (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST exemplifies a macro-level health policy?

<p>Legislation related to universal health insurance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to Political Economy, what factor does Pluralism emphasize MOST in shaping policy decisions?

<p>The role of multiple, competing interest groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which social theory would MOST likely advocate for structural changes to address systemic inequalities in healthcare access?

<p>Critical Social Theory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Polis model differ from the Market model in addressing social needs?

<p>The Polis model emphasizes collective governance, while the Market model focuses on individual freedom. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explores the techniques and processes used to study and analyze health policy, including interviews and statistical analyses?

<p>Methodology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do micro-level policies relate to macro-level policies?

<p>Macro-level policies inform meso-level structures, which then impact micro-level outcomes, creating interconnectedness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Pluralism and New Institutionalism differ in their explanations of policymaking?

<p>Pluralism focuses on the influence of interest groups, while New Institutionalism focuses on the impact of structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Easton's Model of the Political System?

<p>A cyclical process where public demands are processed into decisions, implemented, and then adjusted based on feedback. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In New Institutionalism, what primary role do 'institutions' play?

<p>They structure and influence social and political behavior through rules and norms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What central concept does Historic Institutionalism emphasize in the study of political behavior?

<p>The influence of past institutional development on present political behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Feminist Political Economy is primarily concerned with:

<p>Analyzing economic systems to expose how gender inequality affects policies and institutions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies Leichter's definition of 'structural factors'?

<p>The impact of wealth distribution on access to healthcare and health outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Easton's framework, what is the role of 'demands' in the political system?

<p>They are the public's needs and desires that are addressed by the political system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary significance of civil society in policymaking processes?

<p>It provides a platform for public debate, advocacy, and collective action, influencing policy outcomes independently. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Affordable Care Act (ACA) aim to expand health insurance coverage in the U.S.?

<p>Through individual and employer mandates requiring health insurance coverage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do social democratic and neoliberal welfare states differ in their approach to social services?

<p>Social democratic states view the government as a protector of equality and social rights, while neoliberal states see the state’s role as a facilitator of market efficiency and individual freedom. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between single-payer and multi-payer healthcare systems?

<p>Single-payer systems have the government as the primary insurer; Multi-payer systems use multiple private and public insurers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach best describes a neoliberal welfare state's handling of welfare programs?

<p>Welfare programs are a last resort, with the market expected to fulfill social needs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of healthcare coverage for most individuals in the United States?

<p>Employer-sponsored private health insurance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Saskatoon Agreement?

<p>Creating a national health insurance program, with Saskatchewan as a pilot. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a fee-for-service healthcare system, how are healthcare providers compensated?

<p>They are paid for each individual service or treatment they provide to patients. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) play in the U.S. healthcare system?

<p>It expanded access to insurance through state-based exchanges and subsidies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial role did Saskatchewan have in the development of Canadian healthcare?

<p>It was the first province to implement universal healthcare, paving the way for a national system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Canadian system of federalism influence healthcare delivery?

<p>Healthcare policy is administered at the provincial level, leading to variations in service delivery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who played a pivotal role in shaping Canada's universal healthcare system through the Hall Commission?

<p>Emmett Hall, the chair of the Hall Commission that recommended a national health insurance program. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Canada Health Act?

<p>To ensure that core principles like accessibility and universality are maintained across provincial healthcare systems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary issues currently facing the Canadian healthcare system?

<p>Lengthy wait times for medical services and procedures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In policy analysis, how do the consensus and conflict models differ in their explanation of how policies are made?

<p>The consensus model emphasizes cooperation; the conflict model highlights competition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the aging population in Canada impact the healthcare system?

<p>It increases the strain on the system due to higher demand for long-term care and chronic disease management. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of the U.S. healthcare system?

<p>High costs and complexity limit access to care. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have some Canadian provinces addressed healthcare delivery?

<p>By experimenting with public-private partnerships. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes most significantly to the wait times experienced in the Canadian healthcare system?

<p>Limited resources and shortages of healthcare specialists. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do out-of-pocket expenses most significantly affect healthcare access in the U.S.?

<p>They create financial barriers, particularly for those uninsured or underinsured. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Canada Health Act ensures what for all Canadians?

<p>Access to healthcare regardless of socioeconomic status. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the U.S. healthcare system, what is the role of Medicare?

<p>To serve individuals aged 65 and older. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges stemming from the decentralized nature of Canada's healthcare system?

<p>Maintaining consistent standards across provinces. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to political economy theory, what primarily shapes policies?

<p>The interests of dominant economic classes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the political economy perspective differ from pluralism in explaining policymaking?

<p>Political economy highlights structural inequalities, while pluralism suggests a balanced competitive process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main emphasis of Easton's Model of the Political System?

<p>The continuous interaction between society and government through inputs, throughputs, and outputs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Kingdon's Policy Stream Convergence?

<p>A theory focused on the conditions that allow policies to be developed and implemented when problems, policies, and politics align. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kingdon's Policy Stream Convergence differ from Easton's Model of the Political System?

<p>Kingdon offers a more dynamic, event-driven view of policymaking, while Easton's model is more systematic and general. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which policy would a Political Economy analysis most likely advocate for in response to a pandemic, and why?

<p>Universal healthcare to ensure access to medical services regardless of income because the pandemic exposed limitations of privatized systems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why would a Political Economy analysis support paid sick leave policies during a pandemic?

<p>To prevent workers from feeling forced to work while sick, thus slowing the spread of the virus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to a Political Economy analysis, what is the primary justification for economic stimulus packages during a crisis?

<p>To provide direct financial support to workers and small businesses, mitigating economic shock and preventing further inequality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'throughput' phase represent in Easton’s Framework?

<p>The political system—including institutions like the legislature, executive, and judiciary—processing and deliberating these demands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critique of Easton’s Framework?

<p>It oversimplifies the political system by presenting it as a linear process and overlooks the role of power and inequalities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of Easton's Framework regarding its application to deeply divided societies?

<p>Its focus on equilibrium and stability fails to account for the conflicts and tensions that often characterize political systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a social democratic welfare state?

<p>Strong emphasis on universal welfare programs and broad state intervention in the economy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of policy making do both Easton’s Model and Kingdon’s Theory recognize as important?

<p>Inputs and political factors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a political economy analysis view universal healthcare?

<p>It is seen as critical for ensuring all people have access to necessary medical services regardless of income (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What policies does political economy call for?

<p>Policies that address structural inequalities and offer a more equitable framework (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Health Policy

Decisions, plans, and actions to achieve specific healthcare goals in society.

The Polis

The public or political realm; how collective health decisions are made.

Ideology

A set of beliefs that guide individual or collective action.

Neoliberalism

An ideology emphasizing free markets, limited government, and individual responsibility.

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Socio-environmental Health

Health influenced by social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors.

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Epistemology

The study of knowledge; its nature, sources, and limits.

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Post-Positivism

An approach arguing that all knowledge is fallible and socially constructed.

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Meso-level Policy

Policies targeting intermediary institutions, like hospitals.

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Pluralism in Policymaking

Competing interest groups shape policy.

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New Institutionalism

Formal institutions & structures shape political outcomes.

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Easton's Model

Demands are filtered to produce decisions, with feedback loops.

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Institution (New Institutionalism)

Organizations shaping social & political behavior.

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Historic Institutionalism

How institutions' history shapes current behavior.

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Feminist Political Economy

Economic systems viewed through gender inequality.

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Structural Factors

Underlying forces shaping society, e.g., wealth distribution.

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Demands (Easton's Model)

Public needs/desires addressed by the political system.

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Civil Society

Voluntary groups independent of government/private sectors.

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Individual Mandate (ACA)

Required insurance or pay a penalty (now repealed).

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Employer Mandate (ACA)

Businesses must offer health insurance.

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Single-Payer System

Government is sole payer (e.g., Canada).

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Multi-Payer System

Multiple public & private insurance options (e.g., US).

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Saskatoon Agreement (1964)

Agreement to establish Medicare in Canada, Saskatchewan was a key.

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Fee-for-Service

Providers paid per treatment or service.

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Conflict Model

Policy-making model highlighting societal divisions and power struggles.

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Market Concept of Society

Views society as individuals maximizing self-interest via free markets.

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Polis Concept of Society

Views society as a collective with shared responsibility for citizen well-being.

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Ontology (in Health Policy)

The study of the nature of reality, concerning questions such as 'What is health?'

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Epistemology (in Health Policy)

How we know what we know; the sources and nature of knowledge in health policy.

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Methodology (in Health Policy)

Techniques to study and analyze health policy (e.g., surveys, interviews).

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Critical Social Theory

Emphasizes power dynamics & inequalities in shaping society (Marxist & Feminist).

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Micro-level Policy

Individual behaviors/experiences are affected by a policy.

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Macro-level Policy

Society-wide issues and the broader context of policy formulation are affected.

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Pluralism

Interest groups compete to influence policy decisions.

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Political Economy

Economic structures and class dynamics underpin policymaking.

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Axiology

The study of values that influence decisions; what we consider important.

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Interpersonal Level Policy

Policies affect interpersonal interactions.

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Structural Functionalism

Views society as a functional and stable system aiming for equilibrium.

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Healthcare Access Barriers

Challenges in healthcare access faced by those in remote areas, including limited services and distance.

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Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes among various populations, often due to social and economic factors.

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Medicare (Canada)

The Canadian universal healthcare system, ensuring medical service funding for all citizens.

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Physician Advocacy (Canada)

Physicians actively pushed for a healthcare available to all, leading to Canada's Medicare.

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Influence on Clinical Guidelines

Physicians develop guidelines that influence treatment approaches and standards within hospitals.

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Canadian Medical Association (CMA)

The Canadian Medical Association is involved in discussion over doctor pay scales and working conditions.

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Balancing Ethics and Economics

Actions for faster care, matching ethics to patient's needs within funding limits.

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Physician's Dual Role

The active role of physicians in shaping and contesting the delivery of healthcare in Canada.

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Political Economy Theory

Policies reflect the interests of dominant economic classes over the broader public.

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Easton’s Model

Model viewing politics as a cycle: inputs (demands), throughputs (policy creation), outputs (laws), and feedback.

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Kingdon's Policy Stream Convergence

Policies emerge when problem, policy, and political streams converge, opening a 'policy window'.

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Easton vs. Kingdon: Focus

Broad framework viewing politics as a continuous system versus focused on specific policy formulation moments.

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Political Economy & COVID Policies

Policies ensuring access to care, paid sick leave and direct financial aid, address inequalities and build resilience.

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Easton’s Framework

Model: inputs, throughputs, outputs, and feedback in a cyclical process.

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Critiques of Easton’s Framework

Oversimplifies politics, overlooks power dynamics and inequalities, and focuses on equilibrium rather than conflict.

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Social Democratic Welfare State

Focuses on universal programs, strong state intervention, and social equality.

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Neoliberal Welfare State

Emphasizes individual responsibility, free markets, and limited state intervention in welfare.

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Universal Healthcare

Universal healthcare ensures everyone has access to medical services, regardless of income.

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Paid Sick Leave

Paid sick leave allows workers to stay home when sick without losing pay, slowing disease spread.

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Economic Stimulus Packages

Direct financial aid to workers and small businesses helps mitigate economic shocks and reduces inequality.

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Inputs (Easton's Model)

Demands from individuals or groups enter the political system, like calls for healthcare reform.

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Throughput (Easton's Model)

Institutions process demands, crafting policies in response to societal needs during this stage.

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Outputs (Easton's Model)

Laws, regulations, and decisions implemented as a result of processing societal demands.

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Role of State (Social Democratic)

The view that government should ensure equality and social rights.

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Role of State (Neoliberal)

The view that state should facilitate market efficiency and individual freedom.

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US Healthcare Financing

Healthcare expenses are covered through private insurance and public funding (Medicare/Medicaid).

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Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Most common way Americans get health insurance, often with employer covering part of the costs.

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Medicare

US system providing health coverage for those 65+.

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Medicaid

US system providing health coverage for low-income individuals and families.

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Federalism

Power divided between a central government and regional governments.

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Federalism's Impact on Canadian Healthcare

Federalism means provinces manage healthcare, leading to variations in services.

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Canada Health Act

Federal law setting conditions for provincial healthcare to receive federal funding.

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Wait Times (Canada)

Long delays for medical procedures due to shortages of specialists and limited resources.

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Aging Population (Canada)

Increasing demand for healthcare services like long-term and palliative care.

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Health Disparities (Canada)

Differneces in heatlhcare that exists due to region.

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Healthcare Delivery Models

Public-private partnerships are experimented with in order to deliver healthcare.

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Study Notes

  • Health policy involves decisions, plans, and actions to achieve specific healthcare goals, including resource allocation and regulations.
  • "The polis" in health policy refers to the public or political realm, considering society's collective interests and governance in health decisions.
  • Ideology is a set of beliefs guiding action, shaping policy decisions, social norms, and political behaviors.
  • Neoliberalism is an ideology emphasizing free markets, limited government intervention, privatization, and individual responsibility.
  • The socio-environmental perspective recognizes the influence of social, economic, and environmental factors on health, emphasizing addressing inequalities and community well-being.
  • Epistemology studies the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge, exploring how knowledge is acquired, validated, and interpreted.
  • Post-positivism critiques positivism, arguing that knowledge is fallible and socially constructed, considering context, values, and subjectivity in research.
  • Meso-level policies target intermediary institutions, like health policies focused on hospitals or local healthcare systems.
  • Pluralism emphasizes competing interest groups in policymaking while New Institutionalism highlights how formal structures shape political outcomes.
  • Easton's Model represents the political system as a process where societal demands are filtered to form decisions, which are then implemented with feedback.
  • In New Institutionalism, an institution is a formal or informal organization that structures and influences social and political behavior.
  • Historic Institutionalism focuses on how the historical context of institutions influences current political behavior and decisions.
  • Feminist Political Economy analyzes economic systems from a feminist perspective, emphasizing how gender inequality shapes policies and institutions, particularly in health and social welfare.
  • Leichter defines structural factors as large-scale forces shaping societal behavior, like economic systems or political institutions, impacting health outcomes.
  • In Easton's framework, demands are public needs seeking to be addressed by the political system, influencing decisions and policies.
  • Civil society is the network of voluntary organizations independent of government and private sectors, important for debate and advocacy in policymaking.
  • The Affordable Care Act included an individual mandate for health insurance (repealed in 2017) and an employer mandate for businesses with 50+ employees.
  • A single-payer system involves the government as the sole payer for healthcare (e.g., Canada), while a multi-payer system involves multiple insurance options (e.g., the United States).
  • The Saskatoon Agreement in 1964 was between Canadian provincial and federal governments to establish Medicare, with Saskatchewan as a pilot.
  • Fee-for-service is a payment model where healthcare providers are paid for each service they provide.
  • Saskatchewan first implemented universal healthcare in 1962, leading the way for Canada's national Medicare system.
  • Emmett Hall was a key figure in developing Canada's universal healthcare system, chairing the Hall Commission.

Contemporary Debate on Healthcare Reform in Canada

  • Centers on sustainability, accessibility, and equity.
  • Key issues are strain from aging population, rising costs, and long wait times.
  • Advocates suggest private healthcare elements to reduce wait times and improve efficiency.
  • Critics fear privatization will create a two-tier system, undermining universal access.
  • Discussions focus on funding, with some advocating for increased federal investment and others for reducing inefficiencies and focusing on preventative care.

Consensus vs. Conflict Models of Policy

  • The consensus model suggests policymaking is a cooperative process for reaching broad agreements.
  • Assumes shared values mediate differences for the collective good.
  • The conflict model views policymaking as a competitive process with groups struggling for control.
  • Emphasizes power imbalances where policies reflect powerful groups' priorities, leading to inequality.
  • Consensus highlights harmony, while conflict underscores social, economic, and political struggles.

Market vs. Polis Concepts of Society

  • The market concept views society as individuals acting in self-interest, guided by market forces.
  • Emphasizes personal responsibility, minimal government intervention, and the private sector.
  • The polis concept emphasizes collective governance, public decision-making, and the state's role in ensuring citizen well-being.
  • Sees society as a collective with shared responsibilities for addressing social issues.
  • The market prioritizes individual freedom, while the polis emphasizes social cohesion and equity.

Ontology, Epistemology, and Methodology in Health Policy

  • Ontology studies the nature of reality in health policy, addressing questions like "What is health?"
  • Epistemology deals with how we know about health policy, understanding the sources and nature of knowledge.
  • Methodology refers to techniques used to study and analyze health policy, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • These concepts shape how health issues are framed, studied, and addressed, crucial for effective health policies.

Social Theory Conception of Society

  • Critical Social Theory emphasizes power dynamics and structural inequalities in shaping society.
  • Focuses on how economic systems and social institutions perpetuate class, gender, and racial disparities.
  • Argues access to medical care is influenced by social determinants, and reform must address systemic inequalities.

Micro, Meso, and Macro Levels of Policy

  • The micro-level focuses on individual behaviors and experiences affected by policies, like public health initiatives.
  • The meso-level shifts to organizations and institutions, concerning how they implement policies and interact with individuals.
  • The macro-level looks at society-wide issues, examining the broader political, social, and economic context.
  • Each level is interconnected, providing a comprehensive view of policy in action.

Pluralism vs. Political Economy

  • Pluralism emphasizes competing interest groups shaping policy decisions through negotiation and compromise.
  • Political Economy focuses on economic structures and class dynamics underpinning policymaking.
  • Political economy theory argues policies are shaped by dominant economic classes rather than the public interest.

Easton's Model vs. Kingdon's Policy Stream Convergence

  • Easton's Model is a broad framework conceptualizing politics as a system with inputs, throughputs, outputs, and feedback.
  • Kingdon's Policy Stream Convergence focuses on how policies are formulated in moments when problems, policies, and politics converge.
  • Easton's model is systematic, while Kingdon's theory is focused on timing and conditions.
  • Emphasizes addressing structural inequalities and economic systems that exacerbate disparities.
  • Policies include universal healthcare, paid sick leave, and economic stimulus packages.
  • Policies would help mitigate the economic shock caused by the pandemic, preventing further inequality.

Easton's Framework

  • Inputs are demands placed on the political system.
  • Throughput involves institutions processing demands.
  • Outputs are laws and regulations implemented.
  • Feedback refers to public and institutional reactions influencing future decisions.
  • Limitations include oversimplification, overlooking power dynamics, and failing to account for conflicts.

Social Democratic vs. Neoliberal Welfare States

  • Social democratic welfare states emphasize universal programs and broad state intervention.
  • Prioritize reducing inequality and promoting social solidarity.
  • Neoliberal welfare states prioritize market-driven solutions and limited state intervention.
  • Reduced government spending, privatization of public services, and a focus on individual responsibility.

How Americans Pay for Healthcare

  • Primarily financed through private and public funding.
  • Private health insurance through employers or individual plans is common, with out-of-pocket costs.
  • Public support is provided through Medicare for those aged 65+ and Medicaid for low-income individuals.
  • The complexity and high costs of the U.S. healthcare system limit access to care.

Federalism and Healthcare in Canada

  • Federalism divides power between central and regional governments.
  • Healthcare policy is largely administered at the provincial level in Canada.
  • Provinces design and implement their own policies, leading to variations in service delivery.
  • The Canada Health Act sets conditions for provincial healthcare systems to receive federal funding.

Current Issues Facing the Canadian Healthcare System

  • Wait times for medical services are a primary issue, caused by a shortage of healthcare professionals.
  • An aging population increases demand for healthcare services, especially long-term and palliative care.
  • Health disparities exist across the country, with people in remote, rural, or Indigenous communities facing barriers.

Physicians' Influence on Canadian Healthcare

  • Physicians were advocates for publicly funded healthcare, leading to Medicare's establishment.
  • Influence the functioning of the healthcare system through clinical guidelines and hospital practices.
  • Involved in discussions on physician remuneration and the quality of care.

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Explore health policy's focus, 'the polis,' ideology's influence, and neoliberalism's impact. Examine public health initiatives, patient satisfaction measurement, and post-positivist approaches in shaping health policy. Identify policy levels and factors affecting access to healthcare.

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