A Gap in Quality Related to Care Coordination for Individuals with Chronic Illness
Overview
This paper examines the fragmentation and coordination gaps in the United States healthcare delivery system, particularly as they affect patients with chronic conditions. It analyzes how regulatory and economic drivers have created inefficiencies and lack of integration among multiple healthcare providers and systems, resulting in costly and ineffective care despite high national spending.
What this essay covers
- Introduction discussing the fragmented nature of the US healthcare delivery system and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions
- Effects of Regulatory and Economic Drivers on Care Delivery Systems analyzing cost challenges and structural inadequacies
- System failures including poor communication and coordination among healthcare entities and public health departments
Preview
A Gap in Quality Related to Care Coordination for Individuals with Chronic Illness
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A Gap in Quality Related to Care Coordination for Individuals with Chronic Illness
The healthcare industry in the United States comprises a group of hospitals, clinicians, other care facilities, delivery of care services, and insurance plans. All components function in numerous independent practices, networks, and group configurations. Some function in private entities such as the not-for- or for-private sectors, while others are founded in the public sector (McDonald, 2007). Furthermore, the healthcare sector consists of governmental and voluntary regulators. Although the organizations and individuals are collectively known as "the healthcare delivery system," it comprises of accountability, integration, and order that does not exist. For instance, systems planning, including collaboration and communication among the different entities, is limited to the sector's operation.
The healthcare system has experienced an increase in the number of patients with numerous chronic conditions. According to Boehmer et al. (2019), the number of patients with chronic conditions has increased by 20% since 2000. A chronic condition is identified as that which endures for more than a year, limits the individual's activities, and requires consistent medical care. In most cases, those with chronic conditions usually receive healthcare services from various systems and numerous care providers in each system. As such, the care delivery system for those numerous chronic conditions is multifaceted, and the care is much costly, ineffective, and highly garmented.