Access & Equity

Question 1

Horizontal equity:

Answer 1

Equal treatment for individuals or groups with the same/similar levels of healthcare need

Question 2

Vertical equity:

Answer 2

Individuals/groups who are different should be treated differently according to their levels of needs.

More services to those who are sicker.

Question 3

Equity relevant to access:

Answer 3

1. Equity treatment
2. Equity access
3. Equity utilisation
4. Equity outcome (as far as possible)

Question 4

Access & barriers to access:

Answer 4

1. Structural access
   - access is viewed as a ‘right’ and there should be no discrimination in access
   - should be based on NEEDS, not ability to PAY.
   - geographically/physically reachable (rural areas lack specialists ; long distance, difficult terrains)
   - financially affordable
2. Socio-cultural access
   - services provided are culturally acceptable by patients
   - no discrimination against patients of a particular social group (refugees etc)

Question 5

3 considerations of a healthcare system:

Answer 5

1. Quality
2. Cost
3. Access

Question 6

Ways to improve access:

Answer 6

• reduce geographical barriers (teleconsultations, remote surgeries, drones, flying doctors)
• reduce financial barriers (prepaid health insurance scheme eg. National Health Insurance)
• reduce socio-cultural barrier (train ethnic minorities and women to become health & social care professionals)

Question 7

Current trends that may WORSEN access:

Answer 7

• privatisation: gov reducing their roles in financing social services such as health & social care but actively encouraging private sector to take over
• medical tourism: med tourism caused healthcare providers to leave gov sector and join private sector (tourists using up all the resources..?)

Question 8

Doctors’ roles:

Answer 8

1. Make decisions wisely - prescribe cheaper drugs, refer appropriately
2. Treat patients in culturally-sensitive manner