scholarly journals Solidarity and Responsibility in Health Care

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Davies ◽  
Julian Savulescu

Abstract Some healthcare systems are said to be grounded in solidarity because healthcare is funded as a form of mutual support. This article argues that health care systems that are grounded in solidarity have the right to penalise some users who are responsible for their poor health. This derives from the fact that solidary systems involve both rights and obligations and, in some cases, those who avoidably incur health burdens violate obligations of solidarity. Penalties warranted include direct patient contribution to costs, and lower priority treatment, but not typically full exclusion from the healthcare system. We also note two important restrictions on this argument. First, failures of solidary obligations can only be assumed under conditions that are conducive to sufficiently autonomous choice, which occur when patients are given ‘Golden Opportunities’ to improve their health. Second, because poor health does not occur in a social vacuum, an insistence on solidarity as part of healthcare is legitimate only if all members of society are held to similar standards of solidarity. We cannot insist upon, and penalise failures of, solidarity only for those who are unwell, and who cannot afford to evade the terms of public health.

Author(s):  
Peldon

Social Network Sites (SNSs) are known for providing the opportunity to quickly spread information faster than any other mode because of its ease of accessibility and ability to reach wider populations. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the opportunities of adopting Social Networking (SN) in the healthcare systems. Based on the current literature review, using a social network will enhance communication, collaboration, connection, coordination, and knowledge sharing. The healthcare profession of Bhutan undertook the survey for this study. Three new factors were generated from this study, namely 4Cs; it was found that the use of social networking enhances communication, coordination, collaboration, and connection with patients and among healthcare professionals. The second factor, Green and Sustainability, social networking enables the reduction of the carbon footprint, and the third factor is Exchange Knowledge via use of social networking.


Author(s):  
Patricia Illingworth ◽  
Wendy E. Parmet

Immigration and health are two of the most contentious issues facing policy makers today. Policies that relate to both issues—to the health of newcomers—often reflect misimpressions about immigrants, their health, and their impact on health care systems. Although immigrants are typically younger and healthier than natives, and many newcomers play a vital role in providing care in their new lands, natives are often reluctant to extend basic health care to immigrants. Likewise, many nations turn against immigrants when epidemics strike, falsely believing that native populations can be kept well by keeping immigrants out. This book demonstrates how such reactions thwart attempts to create efficient and effective health policies and efforts to promote public health. The book argues that because health is a global public good and people benefit from the health of neighbor and stranger alike, it is in everyone’s interest to ensure the health of all. Reviewing issues as diverse as medical repatriation, epidemic controls, the right to health, the medical brain drain, organ tourism, and global climate change, the book shows why solidarity between natives and newcomers is ethically required and in the service of health for all.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-374
Author(s):  
Snježana Kaštelan ◽  
Martina Sopta ◽  
Milena Radonjić ◽  
Uršula Kaštelan ◽  
Boris Kasun

Economic crises throughout history have often given an impetus for health and social reforms leading to the introduction of general healthcare systems and social equality in a large number of countries. The aim of this paper is to present the major economic crises and their effect on healthcare and social system chronologically. Bismarck’s and Beveridge’s model, the two most prominent healthcare models, which emerged primarily as a response to major economic crises, constitute the basis for the functioning of most health care systems in the world. An overview of historical events and experiences may be valuable in predicting future developments and potential effects of the crisis on healthcare systems and health in general. An analysis of past crises as well as current health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the healthcare system can facilitate the comprehension of the mechanisms of action and consequences of economic recession. It may also help identify guidelines and changes that might reduce the potential damage caused by future crises. The historical examples presented show that a crisis could trigger changes, which, in theiressence, are not necessarily negative. The response of society as a whole determines the direction of these changes, and it is up to society to transform the negative circumstances brought about by the recession into activities that contribute to general well-being and progress.


2021 ◽  
pp. 220-241
Author(s):  
Carlos Lema Añón

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly affected Spain in 2020. Although the specific causes and Spain’s response—as well as the aspects to be improved—are yet to be evaluated, many experts agree that this crisis has magnified some of the problems of the Spanish health system, highlighting the problems derived from the cuts in the capacities of the health and public health systems. We assess the current situation from the perspective of the right to health in its twofold dimension: health care and social determinants. For this purpose, we look into the configuration of the right to health in Spain and how the economic crisis and austerity policies affected it. In particular, we consider the impact both on institutional health care systems and in terms of social determinants of health. Finally, we make several proposals for strengthening the right to health.


2005 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Sundmacher

AbstractA rising discussion can be seen concerning a transformation of health care systems. Real system changes have till now strengthened competition predominantly and reduced state interventions. Such a procedure also is probably the right way for the German system. Previous reform trials in Germany have i.e. introduced the Integrated Health Care (Integrierte Versorgung, IV). In this special health care form, single contractual regulations are allowed in the contract relationship between doctors and health insurance companies. These contracts partly take the usual collective agreements off. But, until now, the significance of this special form for the normal health care is minor, though. Whether the IV can be a starting point to a system transformation of the health care system by small steps is the question to be examined here.


Author(s):  
Nelcy Martinez Trujillo

La investigación en sistemas y servicios de salud tiene como principales objetivos contribuir a la toma de decisiones y a la definición de políticas para mejorar la eficiencia y la efectividad de los sistemas de salud. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica y documental con el objetivo de exponer algunos de los retos que enfrenta este campo investigativo para cumplir con sus propósitos. Además, se analizaron algunas propuestas para vencer estos retos. La asunción de la investigación en sistemas y servicios de salud como un campo científico esencial en todos los sistemas de salud, el desarrollo de capacidades para su realización y la constitución de una comunidad científica son algunas de las propuestas que pueden incidir de manera positiva en el alcance de las metas para mejorar los sistemas de salud.ABSTRACTThe research in health care systems and services aims to add to the improvement of such and to add in the decision making process its efficiency and effectiveness. A bibliographical and documentary review with the objective of exposing some of the challenges faced in this area of research was made. With the assumption of healthcare systems and services as a scientific field, essential in Healthcare Systems, the developments of its potential realization and its interactivity with the scientif community are some of the proposals which could avail a reach of the objectives to improve Healthcare Systems.


Author(s):  
Patricia Illingworth ◽  
Wendy E. Parmet

Many nations claim to respect the right to health, which requires states to provide access to necessary health care without discrimination of any kind. Nevertheless, most states that purport to recognize the right to health discriminate against some classes of newcomers, especially unauthorized immigrants. This chapter reviews the status of immigrants’ right to health under international law and then turns to an examination of immigrants’ access to health insurance in Canada and the European Union. The chapter demonstrates that even in nations that are widely believed to have universal health care systems, many classes of immigrants are left without access to the means to pay for needed health care. As in the United States, these exclusions impact the health of newcomers and natives alike.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitali Guitberg ◽  
Guennadi Kouzaev

<br><div>In this abstract, the principles of the development of the optimal computer- and robotic health-care systems are proposed and considered as a means to improve the health service of the aging population. The results of the implementation of a new created diagnosis system Anamnesis are analyzed and found prospective to use the modified processors for handling the predicated flow of information. It is proposed to develop a robotic system for healthcare including the cyber-physical systems for the rapid manufacturing of medicine on-demand using microwave-assisted reactors.</div><div><br><br></div>


2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-288
Author(s):  
S. Yasui

In response to the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) temporarily increased emergency dose limits from 100 to 250 mSv from March 14 to December 16, 2011, but there were many problems in medical and health care systems. Based on the lessons learned, in 2015, the MHLW deliberated for radiation protection and medical and health care systems to prepare for future nuclear emergencies. The paper aims to describe and share the experience gained in the process of setting medical and healthcare systems. The paper outlines the issues of: (a) on-site medical and health care systems; (b) health care during emergency work and; (c) long-term health care. For the deliberation, the MHLW had to find the way to keep a balance between the protection of the emergency workers and the prompt implementation of crisis response. The MHLW built a consensus among stakeholders by providing lifetime healthcare systems as compensation for the radiation health risks and by enhancing preparedness to eliminate confusion and disorder and improve the level of protection against health risks. The experience gained shows that acceptance of the health risks due to radiation exposure needs not only a scientific basis, but also social acceptance.


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