Trends in the global healthcare environment: The developed countries
Maureen J Farrell
Nursing, RMIT, Bundoora VIC
PP: 180
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine trends in the global healthcare environment, especially the developed countries. The developed countries are examined in detail as they have influenced the changes that have occurred in the delivery of healthcare in Australia. The countries discussed include the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The most concerning trend is the increase in healthcare spending. There has been a marked rise in the cost of hospital and other institutionalised care and health insurance. The ageing population and the increased use of sophisticate and expensive equipment have also increased costs. Other issues identified are, the declining number of hospital beds, the shift from care in the hospitals or institutions to care in the home or community, the increase in continuum of care programs, the establishment of health care networks, focus of service quality, the lack of security about gaining health insurance and the focus on treatment rather than prevention.
Keywords
healthcare trends, developed countries, healthcare costs, ageing population, technology
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