Affordable Health Care Services Research Articles

Elderly Care Provision under National Policy on Older Persons 2013: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is undergoing a notable demographic transition, characterized by a substantial rise in the proportion of elderly individuals within its population. This demographic transition presents a range of economic, social and cultural issues that necessitate prompt attention and intervention. The aim of this study was to examine the current state of elderly care services and facilities available for older adults in urban landscape by taking into account the ‘National Policy on Older Persons 2013.’ This study was conducted in Dhaka city by employing a cross-sectional study design. The study population covers elderly people aged 60+ years, living in Dhaka City for more than five years continuously and are able to speak well with someone. The study was based on a sample of 240 and the respondents were chosen using convenient sampling technique. The data were collected through face-to-face interview using structured questionnaire and they were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics. This study found that the existing elderly care services and available opportunities are below the satisfactory level for most of the older adults of the city, even though the ‘National Policy on Older Persons 2013’ was adopted a decade ago. The elderly people in Dhaka city encountered a number of difficulties considering their physical health, psychological and social well-being. In the case of availability of the affordable and quality healthcare services for older adults in their community, 30.4% of the respondents said that the availability, accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare services are very poor, followed by 24.6% below average and 26.3% at the average level. Nearly 75% of the study people said that they had ever experienced unfair treatment for being aged. Indeed, they receive care and support in an inconsistent, disorganized and incoherent manner. The study clearly revealed that there is a need to prioritize person-centered care as well as integrated care system for the effective management of the ageing population in Bangladesh. Jagannath University Journal of Science, Volume 11, Number 1, June 2024, pp. 118−134

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian performing and creative artists: An interpretive descriptive study using the social-ecological model.

Public health restrictions during the Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Canada have substantially reduced the work and income of performing and creative artists. We aimed to understand how factors at the public policy, community, organizational, interpersonal and individual levels affected Canadian performing and creative artists' health and livelihood during the pandemic. We interviewed 14 creative and performing artists from an academic hospital-based healthcare center in Toronto, Canada. In addition, we conducted secondary data analysis on an existing set of 17 transcribed interviews from a quality improvement study that included relevant information to answer the present study's research question. We applied an interpretive descriptive approach to our qualitative inquiry and used the social-ecological model (SEM) as our analytic framework. We identified factors at all levels of the SEM that tended to synergistically affect the health and livelihood of artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health restrictions and government financial assistance programs have downstream effects on other levels. During the pandemic, many artists sensed an overwhelming loss of community, financial instability, and limited access to healthcare; which in turn affected their health. For those who accessed financial assistance programs, the stability of income afforded time for rest without the stress of food insecurity or housing instability. Use of the SEM as an analytic framework reflects the multidirectional intricacy and dynamic interplay among factors operating within and across all five levels, bringing to light potential areas of improvement at various levels to strengthen resilience and reduce risk factors associated with artists' health and healthcare access. Findings also accentuated the fragility of precarious work that inundates the performing arts industry, which emphasizes the need for interventions and policies to address this issue. Such interventions might include financial support programs for artists, access to affordable healthcare services, and efforts to strengthen social support networks within the arts community.

A cross sectional study to estimate the health care needs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Perimenopause is the period when a woman moves from the reproductive phase to non-reproductive. Postmenopause is a complete cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 months or more. Menopausal symptoms may affect their health and quality of life. To estimate the health care needs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. It is a cross-sectional study of one hundred women. Participants of the age group 40-70 years were recruited by using consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewing participants as per a pretested, and validated questionnaire. Apart from the information profile, data was collected regarding the reproductive profile; Obstetrics history; prevalence of perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms; and sources used to acquire information about menopause. The mean age of participants was 53.04 ± 7.35 years. Mean age of attaining menopause was 46.88 ± 4.93 years. Majority of the participants (96%) were vegetarian, half (50%) were overweight as per their BMI. More than half (56%) of the participants reported never doing exercises. The commonly prevalent menopausal symptoms were hot flushes (88%), more tired than usual (86%), joint pains (82%), depressed mood (78%), facing difficulty falling asleep (65%). Most of the participants (74%) rated their level of knowledge little regarding menopausal symptoms and their management. The most frequently used source of information were television/ internet (52%), and friends (47%). Participants require education, appropriate health-related information, counselling services, and availability of affordable, reliable, and accurate health care services for the management of menopausal symptoms.

Balancing Pakistan's Population Growth with Climate Change: Charting a Sustainable Path Forward

Pakistan's rapid population growth has a significant impact on its capacity to address climate change. The migration of individuals to urban areas in search of better amenities leads to the expansion of urbanization and a rise in human-induced activities, leading to the formation of urban heat islands and warmer climatic conditions.1,2 This urban development further intensifies the trend of rising temperatures in key cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta, disturbing the usual climate patterns. Moreover, the demographic dividend, if not effectively utilized, can contribute to environmental deterioration and climate change challenges, thus impeding the achievement of sustainable development objectives. The substantial growth in population strains available resources, escalates emissions, and poses obstacles to the implementation of measures for climate resilience, underscoring the critical necessity of strategic policies to tackle these interconnected issues3. The increase in the population of Pakistan has noteworthy environmental implications on agriculture and food security. Challenges faced by the agricultural sector of the nation include erratic weather patterns, substandard crop yield, and degradation of soil fertility.4 The impact of climate change further complicates these challenges, as elevated temperatures and diminished water availability negatively influence crop output and water efficiency.5 Moreover, insufficient investments, unequal land allocation, and limited water resources impede consistent agricultural development, thereby affecting food security. Projections for the future indicate a necessity for a 40% enhancement in food production by 2025 to fulfill the demands of the growing population, underscoring the critical need for sustainable agricultural methodologies and adaptive measures to alleviate the detrimental consequences of population growth on agriculture and food security in Pakistan.6 Addressing Pakistan's population growth requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses education, healthcare, women's empowerment, and access to family planning services. Education, especially for girls, plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals to make informed choices about family size and reproductive health. By investing in education and promoting gender equality, Pakistan can empower women to participate more fully in the workforce, delay marriage, and make decisions regarding family planning, leading to lower fertility rates and improved maternal and child health outcomes.7,8 Furthermore, access to affordable and high-quality healthcare services, including family planning and reproductive health services, is essential for enabling individuals to plan their families according to their desired family size. Pakistan must prioritize the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, training of healthcare professionals, and dissemination of accurate information about contraception and family planning methods to ensure universal access to reproductive healthcare services.9,10 Pakistan, due to the significant impact of climate change, is confronted with various challenges such as extreme weather events, water scarcity, and food insecurity. It is imperative to prioritize investments in climate-smart infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness to bolster climate resilience. The implementation of sustainable strategies such as crop diversification and agroforestry play a vital role in enhancing resilience, ensuring food security, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Given that the agricultural sector serves as a major source of employment, it is crucial for it to embrace climate-resilient practices to effectively adapt to shifting climates and mitigate environmental degradation. Additionally, the allocation of resources towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can diminish dependence on fossil fuels, decrease emissions, generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic development, and improve energy accessibility in remote regions.11,12 However, addressing Pakistan's population growth and climate change requires concerted efforts and collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the international community. It demands political will, commitment to sustainable development goals, and long-term planning to achieve meaningful results. By investing in education, healthcare, women's empowerment, sustainable development, and climate resilience, Pakistan can chart a sustainable path forward those balances population dynamics with environmental sustainability. The time to act is now, and Pakistan must seize the opportunity to build a more resilient and prosperous future for its people and the planet.

Catastrophic out-of-pocket payments related to non-communicable disease multimorbidity and associated factors, evidence from a public referral hospital in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

BackgroundIn low and middle-income countries (LMICs), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise and have become a significant cause of mortality. Unfortunately, accessing affordable healthcare services can prove to be challenging for individuals who are unable to bear the expenses out of their pockets. For NCDs, the treatment costs are already high, and being multimorbid further amplifies the economic burden on patients and their families. The present study seeks to bridge the gap in knowledge regarding the financial risks that come with NCD multimorbidity. It accomplishes this by examining the catastrophic out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure levels and the factors that contribute to it at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital between May 18 and July 22, 2020 and 392 multimorbid patients participated. The study participants were selected from the hospital’s four NCD clinics using systematic random sampling. Patients’ direct medical and non-medical out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures were recorded, and the catastrophic OOP health expenditure for NCD care was estimated using various thresholds as cutoff points (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 40% of both total household consumption expenditure and non-food expenditure). The collected data was entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA V 14. Descriptive statistics were utilized to present the study’s findings, while logistic regression was used to examine the associations between variables.ResultsA study was conducted on a sample of 392 patients who exhibited a range of socio-demographic and economic backgrounds. The annual out-of-pocket spending for the treatment of non-communicable disease multimorbidity was found to be $499.7 (95% CI: $440.9, $558.6) per patient. The majority of these expenses were allocated towards medical costs such as medication, diagnosis, and hospital beds. It was found that as the threshold for spending increased from 5 to 40% of total household consumption expenditure, the percentage of households facing catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) decreased from 77.55 to 10.46%. Similarly, the proportion of CHE as a percentage of non-food household expenditure decreased from 91.84 to 28.32% as the threshold increased from 5 to 40%. The study also revealed that patients who traveled to Addis Ababa for healthcare services (AOR = 7.45, 95% CI: 3.41–16.27), who were not enrolled in an insurance scheme (AOR = 4.97, 95% CI: 2.37, 10.4), who had more non-communicable diseases (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.01), or who had more outpatient visits (AOR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.31, 1.63) had a higher likelihood of incurring catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditures at the 40% threshold.Conclusion and recommendationThis study has revealed that patients with multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) frequently face substantial out-of-pocket health expenditures (CHE) due to both medical and non-medical costs. Various factors, including absence from an insurance scheme, medical follow-ups necessitating travel to Addis Ababa, multiple NCDs and outpatient visits, and utilization of both public and private facilities, increase the likelihood of incurring CHE. To mitigate the incidence of CHE for individuals with NCD multimorbidity, an integrated NCD care service delivery approach, access to affordable medications and diagnostic services in public facilities, expanded insurance coverage, and fee waiver or service exemption systems should be explored.

Assessment of economic burden due to COVID-19 pandemic during institutional childbirth in Nepal: before-and-after design

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in global health and economic stability. In Nepal, before the pandemic, more than 50% of healthcare costs were out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). This study aimed to...

NYC Care: A Large Health Care Access Program for Uninsured New York City Residents.

Millions of people living in the United States are excluded from health insurance due to income or immigration status. These 2 groups are more likely to lack access to health care or a regular source of care. NYC Health + Hospitals is addressing this need with NYC Care, a health care access program. The program is designed to be the single point of access for uninsured care citywide and includes a membership card, a 24-hour customer service line, and direct access to primary care medical homes. Health care is coordinated across NYC Health + Hospitals using integrated electronic referrals and a medical record system. The program uses a single enrollment process across safety net health care resources of NYC Health + Hospitals. A 24-hour call center was established to answer questions, make primary care appointments, and make warm handoffs to enrollment staff. Once eligibility is confirmed and patients are enrolled, they are mailed a membership card, a member handbook, and offered a primary care appointment. A multipronged public awareness campaign including citywide, multilingual marketing and outreach via community-based organizations was essential to build trust. NYC Care had 119 203 members at the end of June 2023. Fifty-eight percent had not seen a primary care doctor in the NYC Health + Hospitals system in the prior 36 months. In total, 76 439 had completed 1 or more primary care visits; 53.1% of enrollees with diabetes had improved hemoglobin A 1c , and 73.4% of enrollees with hypertension had improved blood pressure control after 6 months of enrollment. NYC Care demonstrates that municipalities can improve access to care for the uninsured by simplifying steps to affordable health care services, connecting patients directly to patient-centered medical homes, and improving the patient experience. A comprehensive public awareness campaign is also crucial.

Tanzanian adolescents’ attitudes toward abortion: innovating video vignettes in survey research on health topics

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to pilot an innovative cartoon video vignette survey methodology to learn about young people’s perspectives on abortion and sexual relationships in Tanzania. The Animating Children’s Views methodology used videos shown on tablets to engage young people in conversations. Such conversations are complicated because abortion is highly stigmatized, inaccessible, and illegal in Tanzania.MethodsThe cartoon video vignette methodology was conducted as a part of a quantitative survey using tablet computers. Hypothetical situations and euphemistic expressions were tested in order to engage adolescents on sensitive topics in low-risk ways. Qualitative interviews and focus groups validated and further explored the perspectives of the young respondents.ResultsResults indicate that 12–17 year-olds usually understand euphemistic expressions for abortion and are aware of social stigma and contradictory norms surrounding abortion from as young as age twelve. Despite the risks involved with abortion, this study finds adolescents sometimes view abortion as a reasonable solution to allow a girl to remain in school. Additional findings show that as adolescents wrestle with how to respond to a schoolgirl’s pregnancy, they are considering both the (un)affordability of healthcare services and also expectations for gender roles.ConclusionsDigital data collection, such as the Animating Children’s Views cartoon video vignettes used in this study, allows researchers to better understand girls’ and boys’ own perspectives on their experiences and reproductive health.

Assessing the Access and Affordability of Mental Healthcare Services for Adolescents in the United States

Adolescent mental health is a worsening crisis in the United States. Adding to the problem is the ability of parents and caregivers to find timely and affordable mental healthcare services for this population, one that is vulnerable to suicide, substance abuse and other devastating outcomes due to mental health issues. This research project evaluates the access and affordability of outpatient mental healthcare services for adolescents in the U.S., as well as possible causes and solutions for identified mental healthcare delivery issues. An anonymous survey developed by the author was distributed and completed specifically by parents and caregivers in the U.S., who have sought mental healthcare services for adolescents between 10-19 years of age. Survey results indicate that there are indeed problems within the insurance and medical professional industry with regard to parity between timely and affordable access to mental healthcare services compared to services for physical medical healthcare for adolescents. This causes additional stress for parents and caregivers seeking critical help for their children, while the child’s mental health status declines during this time. One could argue that ethically, access to mental healthcare should not be any more difficult or costly to families than access to physical medical healthcare.

Impact of the economic crisis on the health-related quality of life of adults in Lebanon: An observational cross-sectional study

Background: The economic crisis imposed changes to afford necessities like food, housing, and healthcare, leading to a decline in the physical and mental health of the population. Objectives: This study assessed the impact of the economic crisis on Lebanese adults’ health-related Quality of Life (QoL) and the predictors of lower scores. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted 561 adults using a uniform questionnaire for data collection and a Short Form 8-item survey. Results: The sample comprised 77.9% females and 22.1% males. More than half of the sample reported a decrease in their income compared to the period before the crisis, and most participants reported that the economic turmoil highly impacted their access to healthcare services (63.0%), medication (51.5%), and food (56.5%) in addition to other necessities. Participants had lower Mental Component (MC) than Physical Component (PC) scores (55.5 and 69.0, respectively). Those highly impacted by the economic crisis in accessing medication had 1.76 times higher odds of lower PC scores than others (OR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.07–3.21). As regards the impact of the economic crisis on the MC scores, significantly higher odds of a lower MC score were noted among those highly impacted by the economic crisis in terms of access to medication (OR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.14–3.95), to food (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.1.12–2.87), and encountering water shortage (OR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.01–2.71). Conclusion: Lebanese adults’ QoL suffered physically and psychologically amid the economic crisis. The study underscores the need for accessible and affordable essential healthcare services and necessities.

Evaluation of the Usability of Drmyco Web Application Using the Think-Aloud Method

Introduction: Health information technology has great potential to address some of the challenges of developed and developing countries in providing accessible, affordable and high-quality healthcare services. Telemedicine uses health information technology to overcome geographic barriers and increase access to health care services. This is particularly useful for rural and disadvantaged communities in developing countries. There are many reasons for abandoning and failing the web application; one of the most important obstacles to their use is low applicability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usability of Drmyco web application.Material and Methods: Evaluation was done in a laboratory environment based on a pre-prepared scenario using the think-aloud method by 15 users (health information technology students from all over the country). Then the identified problems and identified problems were classified based on the Van den Haak method. The Nielsen method was used to evaluate the severity of the problems.Results: The average duration of the evaluation process in this study for users was 22.06 minutes. The total number of problems identified by users was 19.Conclusion: The two principles of Layout and Comprehensiveness were identified as the most problems for users.

Knowledge and Diabetes Self-Management Practices Among Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Tomohon

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that requires careful management and adequate knowledge from the patients. This study seeks to explore the relationship between knowledge levels and self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It utilized a descriptive analytical approach within a cross-sectional study framework, where data were collected using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire-24 (DKQ-24) questionnaire which was used to assess the variable of knowledge level about DM. For the variable of self-management of diabetes mellitus, was measured with Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire-Revised (DSMQ-R) questionnaire. Samples were sixty T2DM patients in the city of Tomohon. The study findings indicated a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and diabetes self-management among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tomohon, with a p-value of 0.029 (p<0.05). Most patients have a fair to poor understanding of Diabetes Mellitus self-management. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing education and more focused interventions to improve knowledge and control of diabetes in T2DM patients. In conclusion, this study indicates the need for greater efforts from the healthcare sector to enhance understanding and management of diabetes in T2DM patients through a holistic approach, including more intensive education, psychosocial support, and accessible and affordable healthcare services.

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY AND PROGRAMME AND ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICE AMONG FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS IN NIGERIA

The study examined the effect of National Health Insurance on health care service delivery Among Federal Workers in Nigeria. This mixed research design study investigates the relationships between primary and secondary health care service providers and the provision of essential healthcare services to enrollees in Nigeria. The population of the study encompasses federal governamnt workers with primary and secondary health care facilities across various regions in Nigeria. A sample size of 400 enrollees and 50 health care providers was selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured interviews and surveys, focusing on the perceptions and experiences of both health care providers and enrollees regarding the provision of affordable health care, testing and diagnostic services, and referral services. The collected data were analyzed usingboth qualitative and quantitative methods, including thematic analysis and correlation analysis. The findings reveal significant relationships between primary health care service providers and the provision of affordable health care and testing and diagnostic services to enrollees in Nigeria. Moreover, the study identifies a significant relationship between secondary health care service providers and the provision of referral services to enrollees, highlighting the importance of collaboration between primary and secondary healthcare sectors to ensure comprehensive healthcare delivery in Nigeria. These results underscore the need for policy interventions and resource allocation strategies aimed at strengthening primary and secondary healthcare systems to improve access to essential healthcare services for all enrollees in Nigeria. The study recommends that Federal Government through the NHIA shouldimplement policies that aim to increase the affordability of healthcare services for all citizens, especially those in lower socioeconomic strata. This may involve subsidizing healthcare costs, expanding insurance coverage, or introducing targeted assistance programs for vulnerable populations. Additionally, encourage healthcare providers to offer transparent pricing structures and explore innovative payment models, such as sliding-scale fees or income-based discounts, to improve access for individuals with varying financial capacities.

Exploring barriers of health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care among patients in north wollo zone public hospitals; Northeast, Ethiopia, 2023: application of socio-ecological model

BackgroundHealth literacy is the important for the prevention of non-communicable disease to make informed health decisions, and practice healthy and protective behaviours. Therefore, application of socioecological model to this study aimed to identify multilevel factors on health literacy among patients and develop scientific health communication interventional strategies to improve health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care.ObjectiveTo explore barriers of health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care among patients in north wollo zone public Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia, 2023.MethodIn this study phenomenological study design was conducted from February 5 to 30/2023.We have used purposive sampling technique to select study participants from chronic follow up clinics. Data were collected using in-depth interview and focused group discussion in which audio was recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Thematic analysis was performed with atlas ti. 7 software.ResultIn this study four main themes with seven subthemes were developed. The main themes were factors at the organizational, community, interpersonal, and intra-personal factors. The poor knowledge, lack of enough money for transportation and medication at the hospital were identified as barrier to get early diagnosis and treatment. Some participants explored that they have no any support from family or others. The cultural norms like weeding and funeral ceremonies enforce patients to consume prohibited substances like alcohol and salty foods.ConclusionIn this study different barriers of health literacy were explored. Lack of knowledge, economic problems, lack of social support, poor communication with health care providers, cultural influences, lack of regular health education, lack of access to health care services and poor infrastructure were main barriers of health literacy in patients with NCD. Therefore, we recommended all concerned bodies to work on social and behavioral change communication intervention focusing on awareness creation, supply of drugs and create supportive environment to get accessible and affordable health care service to decrease the impact of non-communicable disease at personal, community and national level.

Burn injuries and acute burn management in the rural areas in northern Bangladesh – A household survey

IntroductionBurn injuries pose a significant public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Bangladesh, burn injuries are prevalent and often result in severe disability or death. However, knowledge regarding the causes of burn injuries, acute burn management, and barriers to seeking burn care in the riverine areas of northern Bangladesh is limited. MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire-based study in eight subunits and five selected districts in northern Bangladesh to determine the prevalence, causes, and management of burn injuries in these areas. A total of 210 individuals from different households were interviewed, which represented a population of 1020 persons. ResultsAmong the respondents, 55% reported that at least one member of their household suffered from a burn injury in the past. The most common causes of burn injuries were open fire (41%) and hot fluids (30%). More than 40% of burns were not rinsed with water directly after sustaining the injury. Additionally, almost 30% of respondents did not seek medical care immediately after the injury, with financial constraints being the most commonly cited reason. DiscussionWe found a low rate of adequate cooling and seeking medical care. The need for basic knowledge on prevention and treatment of burn injuries and improved access to affordable health care services in the region is high.

Business model innovation in healthcare: A theoretical review of entrepreneurial strategies in the medical sector

This theoretical review explores the critical role of business model innovation in the healthcare industry, focusing on entrepreneurial strategies within the medical sector. With the constant evolution of healthcare needs, technologies, and regulations, traditional models are becoming increasingly insufficient to meet the demands of patients, providers, and other stakeholders. Business model innovation offers a pathway for organizations to adapt, thrive, and deliver value in this dynamic landscape. Drawing upon existing literature and case studies, this paper examines the fundamental concepts of business model innovation and its application within healthcare. It explores various entrepreneurial strategies, including opportunity identification, collaboration, technology integration, and patient-centered approaches, highlighting their impact on reshaping the healthcare ecosystem. Furthermore, the theoretical framework delineates key components of successful business model innovation, such as value proposition design, revenue model development, infrastructure optimization, and customer segmentation. Through analysis of real-world examples and challenges, this review elucidates the opportunities and barriers associated with business model innovation in healthcare. It underscores the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing regulatory complexities to drive sustainable change. Additionally, it outlines future directions for research, implications for healthcare practitioners and policymakers, and the imperative for continuous adaptation and improvement. Ultimately, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurial strategies can catalyze business model innovation in healthcare, paving the way for enhanced quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services in the digital age.

Public Health Insurance Status and Utilization of Healthcare Services Across India: A Narrative Review.

Health insurance literacy gauges how knowledgeable people are regarding the comparison of health insurance plans to find out the optimal health plan that suits their needs and preferences. Enrolling in a comprehensive plan and proactively addressing health and financial aspects can fortify the stability of families. The plan needs to be used effectively by adapting to evolving circumstances and prioritizing the well-being and prosperity of the household. Having public health insurance can significantly impact an individual's utilization of healthcare services. Having health insurance encourages individuals to promptly seek medical attention without hesitating or avoiding treatment due to financial worries. This results in higher utilization of healthcare services, encompassing routine check-ups, preventive care, and timely intervention for illnesses and injuries. Public health insurance can also improve access to specialized care and expensive treatments that may otherwise be unaffordable for individuals without insurance. By having health insurance, individuals and families can experience a decrease in the economic strain associated with healthcare expenses, thereby enhancing the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services.

The Role of Health Insurance on the Affordability of Healthcare Services by Patients in the Buea Municipality

The Role of Health Insurance on the Affordability of Healthcare Services by Patients in the Buea Municipality

Information Technology in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review

Aim/Purpose. The aim of this study is to recognize the factors that contributed to the development of IT in the healthcare industry. Background. The healthcare Information Technology (IT) solutions market has experienced remarkable growth, with the healthcare sector emerging as a $303 billion industry. However, despite its substantial size, the healthcare industry has faced criticism for its slow adoption of innovative technologies. This study aims to explore factors driving the evolution of IT in the healthcare sector. Methodology. The researchers conducted a systematic literature review, searching the PubMed and Emerald databases for relevant peer-reviewed articles. After filtering based on defined criteria, 433 articles were included for analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to the abstract of articles which spanned the period of 1997 to 2023. Contribution. This study provides a conceptual framework elucidating the key factors driving the evolution of IT in the healthcare industry. By systematically analyzing the existing literature, the research identifies four overarching themes – government policies, technological potentials, healthcare delivery needs, and organizational motivations – that have propelled the development and adoption of healthcare IT solutions. Provide a conceptual model for understanding, and design of the healthcare it solutions. Findings. Based on the analysis in this paper, four themes emerged: government policies promoting IT adoption through initiatives like incentives for electronic health records; technological breakthroughs enabling new healthcare IT capabilities; healthcare delivery needs to drive IT integration for improved quality and safety; and patient experience and organizational motivations to leverage IT for streamlining processes and knowledge management. Recommendations for Practitioners. The conceptual model can guide practitioners in developing IT solutions aligned with policy drivers, technological capabilities, care delivery needs, and organizational imperatives. Recommendations for Researchers. The conceptual framework developed in this study offers a lens for researchers across disciplines to continue investigating the role of information technology in the healthcare industry. Impact on Society. Examining the evolution of IT in the healthcare industry revealed the importance of information technology in enhancing the delivery and affordability of healthcare services and addressing issues of accessibility and inequality. Future Research. Future research will explore global perspectives showcasing the successful impact of IT on healthcare, as emerging technologies impact healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

The National Health Policy, 2017: Health Seeker’s Profile and Accrued Benefit Analysis

The landscape of health is fast changing in developing countries. India being a signatory to the Alma Ata Declaration on “Health for All” has transformed the landscape of health in the country through Constitutional guarantees, plans, and policy measures. Constitutional bindings like those like Art 21, 38, 39(A) and the Directive Principles of State Policy have put compulsion on the Government of India to take measures for the universalization of health care and this is one of the ambitious targets of the 12th five-year plan aimed at comprehensive health care security to all. It mandates the country to ensure affordable, accountable, appropriate promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health care services and equitable access to health care to all citizens of India despite their caste, class, gender, religion, etc. In this context. In 2017, the Government of India introduced its health policy to provide coverage to the entire population of the developing country, i.e., India. It was a welcome initiative on the part of the country. After 6 years, the present article tries to map the health seekers' profile and how far benefits of health reform have been accrued by them. The researchers in this article have employed descriptive design with quantitative methods of data collection in the city of Bhubaneswar. The study concludes that the 2017 Healthcare policy has undoubtedly addressed the discrepancies in healthcare services to the population in terms of gender, age, and economic status, but still finds private healthcare services to cover more commoners and ensure services to them.