20.) Looking to the future Flashcards
Why are populations ageing?
Rising life expectancies and declining birth rates
Why are healthcare systems becoming difficult to fund?
Bismarck and Beveridge (particularly) are funded by the young working population for the elderly to use. Changing demographics means this is not sustainable and costs are rising
What are the policy responses to help reduce costs?
Increase retirement age, rethink preventative care, managing end-of-life care and promoting higher birth rates
How is chronic disease prevention being used?
Expensive for R&D but massive benefits if successful. Healthcare costs may still rise in treatment stage
How is end-of-life care being reinvented?
Promotion of hospice care and palliative care: de-emphasising long shot medical treatment and emphasising comfort at end-of-life
What is natalism?
Practice of encouraging childbirth through government policy. Giving families more benefits from having children. They become taxpayers, contributing towards the healthcare system.
Why are costs of healthcare rising?
High income elasticity of demand, third party payment, medical innovation, non competitive healthcare delivery, increased longevity
