B13 Health policy Flashcards
1
Q
what is funding of the NHS determined by?
A
- not by need, but by politicians
- health of the economy determines how much politicians will spend on healthcare
2
Q
state some problems with the NHS
A
- waiting times / lists for treatment are often lengthy (eg. hip replacement can be 3-5 years)
- treatment is not always optimal
- major staff shortages
- post code ‘lottery’
3
Q
what do finite resources lead to in healthcare and the NHS?
A
- explicit rationing (eg. NHS refuses to fund certain cosmetic procedures or certain drugs)
- implicit rationing (demand for certain services outstrips supply, health professionals must decide who does and doesn’t receive care)
4
Q
what is NICE?
A
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- evidence-based recommendations for health and social care
5
Q
what does NICE provide guidance about?
A
- conditions and diseases
- health and social care delivery
- health protection
- lifestyle and wellbeing
- population groups
- settings
6
Q
describe Patient Safety
A
- previously called National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA)
- aims to continuously improve patient safety through developing a patient safety culture and a patient safety system
- equips patients, staff and partners with the skills and opportunities to improve patient safety throughout the whole system
7
Q
describe Healthwatch
A
- national consumer champion in health and care
- statutory powers to ensure the voice of the consumer is strengthened and heard by those who commission, deliver and regulate health and care services
