Question

⦁   Explain the importance of health care policy and its impact on health care determinants.

Answer 1

Importance of health care policy:

This policy sets a general plan of action used to guide desired outcomes and is a fundamental guideline to help make decisions. The purpose of this policy is to provide standardisation in daily operational activities. It ensures compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. It defines a vision for the future. It sets the foundation for the delivery of safe and cost effective Quality care.

5 categories of determinants of health:

Policy making, social factors, health services,Individual behaviour and Biology and genetics.

Policy making on health determinants:

Policies at the local, state and federal level affect individual and population health. Some policies affect entire populations over extended periods of time while simultaneously helping to change individual behaviour. Example: Policy like 1966 Highway safety act and the National traffic and Motor vehicle safety act authorized Federal government to set and regulate standards for motor vehicles and highways. This led to an increase in safety standards for cars, like seat belts, which reduced the rates of injuries and deaths from motor vehicle accidents.