PBL Week 13 Flashcards
What is the impact of internation travel and migration on disease found in the UK?
International travel and migration can be seen as part of globalisation, where different nations and countries become more and more interconnected. While this is mostly a good thing, this means that diseases can appear in areas where it isn’t usually endemic. For example, there was a fear that during the 2014 ebola outbreak the disease may spread to the UK after several UK medical professionals working in Africa contracted the disease. Also, in the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the virus managed to spread from China to the rest of the world due to international travel and migration.
What are the different structures of health systems across the globe?
Beveridge model - Most hospitals and doctors work for the government. Health care is free to all. (UK)
Bismarck model - Healthcare is paid through insurance, however all hopsitals must not operate for a profit and no-one is left without access to care. (Germany)
National health insurance model - Healthcare is paid through higher taxation, though patients are able to choose any doctor they wish and hospitals again aren’t run for profit. (Japan)
Private insurance system - private healthcare companies offer insurance to people for a price, or this insurance is provided by employers. Hospitals run for a profit. (USA)
What is the role of WHO as the international representative body for health?
WHO plays an essential role in the global governance of health and disease by establishing, monitoring and enforcing international norms and standards, coordinating multiple nations towards a common goal.
What are the particular health needs of vulnerable groups and migrants?
Many newly arrived migrants to Europe are vulnerable to infection, so prevention and assessment of infectious diseases among migrants is essential to address their health needs. Shelter, sanitation, water supply, vaccinations and medical care are also extremely important, with priority given to those who are most vulnerable e.g children and the elderly.
What is the role of doctors as advocates for their patients?
Doctors advocating for their patients may include speaking up on behalf of patients who may be vulnerable because of bullying or abuse, or doctors enabling one patient to receive an expensive treatment. When it comes to reporting abuse, this is clear cut for those who are vulnerable or children; however, if the patient is an adult who has the capacity to make their own choice, the doctor cannot break confidentiality and intervene. Instead, they must provide information to help the patient.
What are the effects of climate change on the UK’s health?
Extreme heat from climate change can cause excess deaths, particularly in the elderly. High temperatures also raise the levels of ozone or other pollutants in the air, worsening cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Natural disasters become more common due to climate change; can cause deaths worldwide, with the UK being affected by flooding.
Change in climate could cause new diseases to emerge; e.g if temperatures in the UK rise, malaria could become endemic.
