The Pathway of China’s Integrated Delivery System:Based on the Analysis of the Medical Consortium Policies

With the deepening of China’s health-care reform,an integrated delivery system has gradually emerged with the function of improving the efficiency of the health-care delivery system.For China’s integrated delivery system,a medical consortium plays an important role in integrating public hospitals and primary care facilities.The first medical consortium policy issued after the COVID-19 pandemic apparently placed hope on accelerating the implementation of a medical consortium and tiered health-care delivery system.This paper illustrates the possible future pathway of China’s medical consortium through retrospection of the 10-year process,changes of the series of policies,and characteristics of the policy issued in 2020.We considered that a fully integrated medical consortium would be a major phenomenon in China's medical industry,which would lead to the formation of a dualistic care pattern in China.

Bridging the gap: Addressing disparities in hepatitis C screening, access to care, and treatment outcomes

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)is a significant public health challenge globally,with substantial morbidity and mortality due to chronic liver disease.Despite the availability of highly effective and well-tolerated direct-acting antiviral therapies,widespread disparities remain in hepatitis C screening,access to treatment,linkage to care,and therapeutic outcomes.This review article synthesizes evi-dence from various studies to highlight the multifactorial nature of these dispari-ties,which affects ethnic minorities,people with lower socioeconomic status,in-dividuals with substance use disorders,and those within correctional facilities.The review also discusses policy implications and targeted strategies needed to overcome barriers and ensure equitable care for all individuals with HCV.Recom-mendations for future research to address gaps in knowledge and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce disparities are provided.

Perinatal mental health in China:views of health system professionals in Shanghai

Background:Mental health has recently been receiving a growing amount of attention in China's Mainland,with mental disorders increasingly being recognized as a major public health concern.However,the treatment gap for mental health care is markedly high in China.Previous research and clinical practice have focused on high-risk physical disorders but overlooked psychosocial factors,especially during the perinatal period.Aims:To explore Chinese professionals'perception and attributions of perinatal mental health in China.Method:The study was conducted in Shanghai,China,in 2018,drawing on interviews with 15 key informants including health professionals,government officials,and policymakers recruited through snowball sampling.Content analysis of the semi-structured interviews was performed.Results:The study yielded insights into the perceptions of perinatal mental health among health professionals in Shanghai.Three themes emerged from the informants'reports:(1)mental health influenced by tradition—describing traditions affecting the perception of mental health at both the societal and individual level;(2)societal changed contributing perinatal mental health problems—referring to a rapidly changing cultural and economic backdrop as a source of stress leading to mental health problems;and(3)existing and required resources—demonstrating a lack of professional training,staff shortages,and inadequacy of resources to provide the required mental health care.Conclusion:Our results provide new insights into key health professionals'perceptions of mental health problems in Shanghai.Hesitation to seek care owing to a lack of knowledge,and resource shortages in health care systems are obstacles to improve mental health among women in urban China.

Evaluation of the Effect of China’s Health Care Reform Based on Prospect Theory

Objective To evaluate the effect of health care reform policy in China comprehensively and provide suggestions for its further implementation.Methods Data on the effect of health care reform were obtained from“China Health Statistics Yearbook”and National Bureau of Statistics of China and the indicators were selected by corrected item total correlation(CITC)and Cronbach’sαreliability coefficient.Then,the selected indicators were calculated through the prospect theory model.Meanwhile,the gray relation analysis method was introduced to enlarge the differences between the advantages and disadvantages to make the comprehensive evaluation result more obvious.Results and Conclusion The implementation of China’s health care reform has a significant impact on China’s medical and health system.However,the effect of the policy will become less with the increase of the total amount.An effective management can ensure that the policy continues to play its role.

Developing Rational Empathy in Health Care Policy:The Usefulness of Online Comments

Studies of interactions have gained an increasing importance in research related to healthcare.Most empirical studies have explored the dynamics of exchanges between patients and practitioners(Barry et al.,2001,Beach et al.,2001).This study is devoted to the analysis of discussions in two forums to investigate how to develop what we call‘a rational empathy’so as to understand the attitudes and beliefs which constitute the basis of these opinions.

U. S. Academic Medical Centers Under the Managed Health Care Environment

This research investigates the impact of managed health care on academic medical centers in the United States. Academic medical centers hold a unique position in the U. S. health care system through their missions of conducting cutting-edge biomedical researeh, pursuing clinical and technological innovations, Providing state-of-the-art medical care and producing highly qUalified health professionals. However, policies to control costs through the use of managed care and limiting resources are detrimental to academic medical centers and impede the advancement of medical sciTo survive the threats of managed care in the health care environment, acadendc medical centers must rely on their upper level managers to derive successful strategies. The methods used in this study include qualitative approaches in the form of key informants and case studies. In addition, a survey questionnaire was sent to 1h8 CEOs in all the academic medical centers in the U. S. The findings revealed that managers who perform the liaison, monitor, entrepreneur and resource allocator roles are crucial to ensure the survival of academic medical centers, so that academic medical centers can continue their missions to serve the general public and promote their well-being.

Finance Policy for Public Health Disease Prevention: Addressing the Number One Cause of Death in the Western World

Background: The lack of a finance policy to cover heart coronary artery disease CT imaging led to an epidemic of heart disease, the most common cause of death in the United States. The difficulty for many adults to pay $150 for CT heart imaging was the impetus for public health reform through legislative intervention. Methods: The key to finance policy reform was the organization of the medical environment involved in asymptomatic heart disease. Using the ecosystem paradigm for organizational alignment, the legislative goal was financing the $150 heart image to identify and medically prevent symptomatic heart disease, obviating future surgical costs of >$100,000. Results: Assisted by stakeholders for public health reform, a 3-year initiative to pass a legislative bill mandating health insurance coverage of $150 heart imaging was signed into law. Understanding the legislative process was necessary for successful advancement of public health and eliminating unnecessary costs of an established conservative ecosystem. Conclusions: Texas was the first state to achieve this legislative goal and New Mexico soon followed. If political environments, regardless of country following this road map of public health reform, a significant beneficial impact upon heart disease, its cost, and healthier public would result.

Health care reform in the USA: Recommendations from USA and non-USA radiologists

AIM: To compare the opinions and recommendations of imaging specialists from United States (USA) and non-USA developed nations for USA health care reform. METHODS: A survey was emailed out to 18 imaging specialists from 17 non-USA developed nation countries and 14 radiologists within the USA regarding health care reform. The questionnaire contained the following ques tions: what are the strengths of your health care system, what problems are present in your nation's health care system, and what recommendations do you have for health care reform in the USA. USA and non-USA radiologists received the same questionnaire. RESULTS: Strengths of the USA health care system include high quality care, autonomy, and access to timely care. Twelve of 14 (86%) USA radiologists identified medicolegal action as a major problem in their health care system and felt that medicolegal reform was a critical aspect of health care reform. None of the non-USA radiologists identified medicolegal aspects as a problem in their own country nor identified it as a subject for USA health care reform. Eleven of 14 (79%) USA radiologists and 16/18 (89%) non-USA radiologists identified universal health care coverage as an important recommendation for reform. CONCLUSION: Without full universal coverage, meaningful health care reform will likely require medicolegal reform as an early and important aspect of improved and efficient health care.

How to improve Iranians' vision health: on the national policy of preventing Iranians' blindness

AIM: To review vision health situation of Iranian community, analyze its determinants, and discuss the adopted improvement strategies by the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education(MOHME). METHODS: This was a rapid situation analysis with a qualitative approach in three parts of recognition, orientation and implementation. The data were gathered via review of upstream documents, national and international experiences, and experts and stakeholders' opinions. RESULTS: Eradicating trachoma, increasing human resources, increasing educational and research centers and promotion of ophthalmic technologies were important achievements in the field of vision health in Iran. Through these achievements, it seemed that the pattern of causes of blindness and low vision was similar to that of the developed countries. However, the review of Iranians' vision health indicators showed that a considerable percent of the blindness and low vision was avoidable through a national program demanding 3 types of interventions in social determinants of health(SDH), community education, and increasing the access to health care services by integrating the necessary services in primary health care system. CONCLUSION: Managing the issue requires attentions from a national committee for preventing blindness with participation of all stakeholders, implementing a national survey on vision health, preparation of the primary level health centers including employment and education of community health workers(Behvarzes), optometristsand general practitioners, fair distribution of specialized human resources and establishing at least one specialized center in each province for referring patients from the primary levels.

Global Standards and Local Policies for School Diabetes Care

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyse the practical implementation of regional and na-tional policies through the Protocol of Care of Children and Adolescents in School (2010) in Extremadura Region (Spain), and to compare its contents with the international standards of diabetes care at school defined by American Diabetes Association and International Diabetes Federation. The measures not only affect the security and diabetes care, but also inclusion and the right to health. Methods: A documental comparative analysis between the local and international standards about diabetes care in school setting is carried out. This analysis is framed in a larger project focused on the study of health promoting school and diabetes education, in which perceptions of children and adolescents with diabetes, their parents and school staff were studied. Results: The Protocol of Care of Children and Adolescents in School (2010) contains some international recommendations about the care of T1DM at school, but in other cases the measures are non-specific. The distribution of responsibilities for care at school is unclear and no monitoring and evaluation indicators are defined. Some elements are identified to be implemented in the tool to favour the security, management of T1DM care and wellbeing. In general, these elements refer to school plan for diabetes care, school organization and teachers, and school community training. Conclusion: It is required to develop specific policies and decisive action to ensure the right to health of children with diabetes and the full application of international standards for diabetes care at school.

HEALTH SERVICE SYSTEMS IN CHINA＇S MINORITY AREAS：HEALTH POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH STATUS

This paper discusses the development of health care system,health expenditure,disease model, and health status on the minority areas in China. The article also puts forward some policy suggestions,such as clearly defining the government responsibilities,adding the investment in the minority regions;combining the development of health service with helping-the-poor program;exploring the moderate health care system in minority rural areas;making classification instruction to PHC in minority;establishing the relevant evaluation system.

Characteristics of Geriatric Health Service Facilities Designated as Sites of Death

There are many deaths occurring among the aged population in Japan. Geriatric Health Service Facilities (GHSFs) are highlighted as some of the chosen facilities designated as sites of death. The aim of our study was to clarify the characteristics and related factors, including physical signs first noticed by staff at the end-of-life period, in GHSFs designated as sites of death, using a nationwide survey in Japan. We administered a questionnaire to 3971 GHSFs in Japan. Eligible responses for the study were obtained from 854 GHSFs. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death were more likely to have basic policies and documented preferences regarding end-of-life care. We also found that staff members in GHSFs designated as sites of death were less likely to first notice physical signs of pain. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death tended to identify earlier symptoms, such as reduced oral intake and less vigor. Our results would enable elderly persons, their families, and staff in GHSFs to prepare for the elderly’s death more efficiently though earlier identification of the end-of-life period. We hope that GHSFs have an important role to play in end-of-life care provision to elderly persons in Japan, through the strengthening of these intermediate facilities.

The Affordable Care Act: Disparities in emergency department use for mental health diagnoses in young adults

BACKGROUND: There is little consensus as to the effects of insurance expansion on emergency department(ED) utilization for mental health purposes. We aimed to study the race specifi c association between the dependent coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act(ACA) and changes in young adults' usage of emergency department services for psychiatric diagnoses.METHODS: We utilized a Quasi-Experimental analysis of ED use in California from 2009–2011 for behavioral health diagnoses of individuals aged 19 to 31 years. Analysis used a difference-indifferences approach comparing those targeted by the ACA dependent provision(19–25 years) and those who were not(27 to 31 years), evaluating changes in ED visit rates per 1 000 in California. Primary outcomes measured included the quarterly ED visit rates with any psychiatric diagnosis. Subgroups were analyzed for differences based on race and gender.RESULTS: The ACA dependent provision was associated with 0.05 per 1 000 people fewer psychiatric ED visits among the treatment group(19–25 years) compared to the control group(27–31 years). Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders were the only racial subgroups who did not see this significant reduction and were the only racial subgroups that did not see significant gains in the proportion of psychiatric ED visits covered by private insurance.CONCLUSION: The ACA dependent provision was associated with a modest reduction in the growth rate of ED use for psychiatric reasons, however, racial disparities in the effect of this provision exist for patients of Hispanic and Asian/Pacifi c Islander racial groups.

The health care economic-industrial complex: Concepts and general characteristics

The strategic role of health care within the Brazilian development agenda has been increasingly recognized and institutionalized. Aside from its importance as a structural element of the Welfare State, health care plays a leading role in generating innovation. Despite this, the productive base of Brazil’s health care system is extremely fragile, jeopardizing both the universal provision of health care services and the country’s competitive insertion in the globalized environment. This suggests the need for a more systematic analysis of the complex relationships that exist between the technological and the social interests involved in the productive base of health care provision in Brazil. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to enhance our understanding of the productive base of health care, especially given its potential to contribute to a socially inclusive development model, which is the ultimate goal in Brazil.

A Comparative Analysis of the Old Medical Structure and the ACO Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia

This article explores the progress of the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the past two decades. Through continuous coordination and efforts to improve the quality and quantity of health services, the government has significantly increased the availability of health facilities across the nation. This steady growth has allowed the country to maintain an upward trajectory in healthcare sector development in comparison to other countries. The Saudi Arabian government is preparing to implement Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) as part of their “Vision 2030.” By aligning with the goals of this visionary roadmap, the government aims to address the challenges faced by the existing healthcare system under the Ministry of Health (MOH). This strategic move is expected to transform the healthcare sector, positioning Saudi Arabia at par with its international counterparts and bolstering its economic competitiveness. This article highlights the historical context of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system, and compares it with the forthcoming ACO implementation under “Vision 2030.” This information provides valuable insights into the trajectory of the country’s healthcare landscape and the potential impact of ACOs in shaping the Kingdom’s future in healthcare and economic development overall.

On Rural Medical Care and Health Undertaking Development during New Medical Reform

Based on in-depth survey of township hospitals in Lushan County of Henan Province, this paper studies the development situations of rural medical care and health undertaking in the course of new medical reform. Results show that both rural medical institution and public health undertaking have considerable development in this course. Working capital situation gradually turns better. However, there are still problems and challenge of shortage of high quality medical care personnel, lack of employment mechanism, poor medical environment, and imperfect bidding and purchasing system of medicines. To further develop rural medical situation, it should improve medical environment, speed up informationization construction, and give prominence to functional orientation.

新疆维吾尔自治区和田地区“肺结核主动筛查+全疗程住院治疗”模式对患者发现的效果

目的:定量评价“肺结核主动筛查+全疗程住院治疗”模式在新疆维吾尔自治区(简称“新疆”)和田地区肺结核患者发现中的实施效果,为新疆肺结核防治工作的稳步推进提供科学依据。方法:收集2012年1月至2021年12月新疆和田地区及未实施全疗程住院治疗策略的新疆其他地州肺结核报告发病数据。利用Joinpoint回归模型分析肺结核报告发病率的时间趋势。以2018年7月作为“肺结核主动筛查+全疗程住院治疗”模式干预时间点,根据是否设置对照地区,分别构建单组中断时间序列(interrupted time series, ITS)模型和设置对照的ITS模型(controlled interrupted time series, CITS)分析政策干预效果。结果:2012—2021年新疆和田地区肺结核报告发病率最高为2018年的465.10/10万(10 278例),最低为2021年的129.40/10万(3241例),总体呈现下降趋势(AAPC=-4.5%,P<0.05);2012—2018年肺结核报告发病率呈现上升趋势(APC=10.8%,P<0.05),2018—2021年肺结核报告发病率呈快速下降趋势(APC=-29.0%,P<0.05)。ITS模型分析显示,和田地区实施“肺结核主动筛查+全疗程住院治疗”模式后1个月(2018年7月),报告发病率增加16.859/10万(P=0.001),新型模式实施后的长期效果为肺结核报告发病率呈下降趋势(β3=-1.098,P<0.001)。CITS模型分析显示,和田地区在新型模式实施后1个月(2018年7月),肺结核报告发病率明显增加,增加量比对照地区高14.751/10万(P<0.001),新型模式实施后长期效果为肺结核报告发病率呈下降趋势,平均每月下降0.815/10万(β5+β7=-0.815,P<0.001),下降速度大于对照地区(β7=-0.931,P<0.001)。结论:新疆和田地区实施“肺结核主动筛查+全疗程住院治疗”模式与肺结核报告发病率之间存在动态因果关系,该模式促使肺结核报告发病率在短暂地上升后呈现下降的长期趋势。实施该模式对控制结核病高负担地区肺结核疫情具有明显优势。

健康中国背景下的“看病贵”与政府支出——基于资源配置结构性失衡视角的分析

“看病贵”意味着医疗卫生资源转化为医疗卫生服务的成本高,有限资源下医疗卫生服务供给的数量和质量难以满足公众健康需求,从而直接影响健康中国建设。同时,人口快速老龄化带来的医疗卫生需求爆发式增长,将形成医疗卫生体系的额外压力,加剧供求矛盾。基于医疗卫生资源配置结构性失衡视角研究“看病贵”与政府支出之间的关系发现:政府增加卫生支出会通过加剧人力资源配置的结构性失衡而加剧“看病贵”问题;只有将增加政府卫生支出与深化医疗卫生体制改革相结合,才能真正缓解全社会“看病贵”问题。因此,应深化公立医院改革,优化政府对医疗卫生资源的配置方式,加强基层医疗卫生体系建设,重塑医疗卫生服务治理模式,构建专业化治理模式,系统性重构中国医疗卫生领域人才建设。