Over the last few years, we have seen improvements in the health of various populations. Although most countries have benefited, the gaps in health outcomes among different countries remains. Additionally, as the average life expectancy increases, there is an urgent need to ensure that health outcomes are achievable at a price we can all afford. Review the following report from The Economist, which analyzes how and why health outcomes and spending differ in 166 countries worldwide. The report also shows that health care often delivers outcomes that are at odds with their cost. The report is free; however, you will need to register on the Economist website to view it (http://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=Healthoutcome2014)
After reviewing the materials for this week and The Economist report, write a paper that discusses two arguments supporting and two arguments opposing the use of health outcomes in a cost-effectiveness methodology.
Your paper should be 3–4 pages in length and include support from the required readings, as well as at least one outside source. Use the WCU Library to find scholarly sources that support your paper.
Expert Solution Preview
Question: What are two arguments supporting the use of health outcomes in a cost-effectiveness methodology?
Answer: One argument supporting the use of health outcomes in a cost-effectiveness methodology is that it allows for the assessment of the value of healthcare interventions relative to the health benefits they produce. By using health outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, policymakers and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about how to allocate resources and prioritize treatments. Additionally, health outcomes can be used to identify areas where healthcare systems are underperforming or where there are disparities in health outcomes, which can inform targeted interventions to improve health and reduce costs.
Another argument supporting the use of health outcomes in a cost-effectiveness methodology is that it can help to increase transparency and accountability in healthcare. By measuring outcomes relative to cost, providers and policymakers can be held accountable for their decisions and can be incentivized to take actions that maximize health outcomes while minimizing costs. This can promote a more efficient and effective healthcare system, which benefits both patients and taxpayers.
Introduction: Healthcare is a complex and rapidly evolving field that requires ongoing evaluation and assessment to ensure that resources are being used effectively to improve health outcomes. One area of interest is the use of health outcomes in cost-effectiveness methodologies. In this answer, we will explore two arguments supporting and two arguments opposing the use of health outcomes in cost-effectiveness methodologies.
