Health services are the care and prevention of diseases, illness, injury and disability. They are a complex set of activities that involve the promotion of good health, the treatment and management of illness and the upgradation of physical and mental well-being. They are a vital component of public health, in addition to preventing disease, treating illnesses and injuries, and providing medical and social rehabilitation.
The healthcare industry has been rapidly changing from a hospital-based system to a patient-centered system. This change has been driven by increasing consumer demand, government regulations and insurance mandates. It is important for businesses to understand how this shift is impacting their bottom line and how they can prepare for future changes.
Patients can access health services by enrolling in coverage through a Medicaid program, employer, or on the individual marketplace as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This increases their accessibility to medical professionals and treatments, supports positive health outcomes, encourages healthy behaviors, and reduces financial strain on families and communities. However, it is not enough to simply expand coverage if the underlying systems remain unsustainable.
In order to achieve universal healthcare coverage, the healthcare industry must be restructured. The ACA and other recent reforms require the healthcare industry to adopt an integrated model that is people-centered, focused on community health and wellness, with an emphasis on universality and equity.
People-centered health is based on the belief that the enjoyment of the highest possible standard of health is a fundamental right for every human being. This requires comprehensive and equitable integrated healthcare, including primary healthcare and public health goods and services that recognize that all individuals are equal, regardless of where they live or what they have or don’t have. It also requires a commitment to social justice, equity and solidarity.
To be people-centered, the health services industry must provide care that responds to individual preferences, needs and values and maximizes the benefit of resources while avoiding waste. This requires a holistic approach that considers all aspects of an individual’s life, including physical, mental and emotional. It also requires a holistic approach to care and support that integrates family, friends, community, and religious organizations, as well as other stakeholders, in the delivery of health services.
Professionals in the field of health services work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, physician’s offices and home healthcare agencies. Many of these professionals pursue continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on emerging techniques and theories. Additionally, many healthcare workers and administrators belong to professional organizations, which offer workshops, classes, job boards and career counseling. These groups can also be helpful for locating networking opportunities in the industry. To further hone their skills, many professionals participate in research projects that contribute to the field. They may even publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. This helps to maintain their professional credentials and increase their marketability. In the final analysis, the most successful health services professionals are those that continually learn and grow in their field.