The US and the UK Health Systems

Topic: Health Words: 959 Pages: 3

Table of Contents

Introduction
Table
Conclusions
References

Introduction

This research paper is aimed at a comprehensive and detailed study of two health systems – in the USA and the UK. Moreover, this work explores both the pros and cons of each of the systems. In addition, the paper provides concepts regarding the introduction of new and relevant functions from the point of view of the medical field in America, which could improve the current state of affairs.

Table

	United States	Great Britain
2 Strengths A.	A. Innovative research and best technologies. Undoubtedly, the healthcare system in the USA is recognized worldwide as innovative, modern, and relevant (Weiss & Copelton, 2020, p. 321). In this country, large sums are allocated to develop breakthrough technologies and the resources necessary for these moments. In particular, oncological diseases and “rare” diseases are being investigated.	A. Free National Health Service (NHS). The British healthcare system, otherwise named the NHS, differs from other countries’ healthcare systems in that it is funded by taxes and not by the health insurance system (Weiss & Copelton, 2020, p. 427). The Health Service provides a wide range of services in medicine. Moreover, all residents of the UK, including expats, can receive medical services completely free of charge.
B.	B. Improved individual approach to a patient; comfortable interaction between a patient and a doctor. The USA occupies a leading position in confidentiality and respect for patients. The country differs in the timeliness of care and meeting the needs of patients (Weiss & Copelton, 2020, p. 323-324). In addition, American medicine has a well-established quality control system of services. For example, there, the rights of the patient and his relationship with the doctor are constantly monitored.	B. Confidentiality of patient information, transparent data management system. One of the significant advantages of medicine in the United Kingdom is the confidentiality of data and the transfer of patient information between medical institutions and employees (Weiss & Copelton, 2020, p. 430). Hence, wherever a person goes, there is information about the patient and his medical history recorded in the unified register in any medical institution. Consequently, the data is digitized, and work in hospitals and polyclinics has been greatly simplified.
2 Concerns A.	A. Nursing and physician shortage. One of the most significant problems facing the medical system in America is the lack of competent specialists. For example, according to recent reports, the United States may face a shortage of at least 54 thousand practitioners in the foreseeable future (Boyle, 2020). In addition, this trend is particularly pronounced in the context of the spread and development of COVID-19. Some employees are forced to work in an unfavorable environment and unsafe conditions for human health. Such situations overlap with each other, forcing specialists in the medical field to leave the profession.	A. Long waiting time. Many native British residents and foreigners are forced to wait longer than the prescribed time to receive assistance. In addition, there are various errors and technical difficulties.
B.	B. Expensive medical services and insurance. The healthcare system in the United States is recognized as one of the most expensive globally (Weiss & Copelton, 2020, p. 331). More money is spent there than in any other country, both in absolute numbers and per capita. In addition, the health insurance system requires quite decent expenses, which in some cases is not sponsored by an employer or an educational institution. Thus, it becomes extremely unprofitable for a person to pay independently for medical services in the USA.	B. Crisis, lack of proper funding. According to recent research, British medicine suffers from a lack of funding, which no longer meets demand (Montgomery et al., 2017). Costs are rising, and along with this, the growth of patient expectations is increasing, and various diseases are spreading. At the moment, the healthcare system in the UK is undergoing significant deterioration in performance indicators due to the lack of adequate funding.
Feature that I would like to see integrated into US system	The main change that I would like to make to the healthcare system in the USA is indicated as follows. For instance, the prices for health insurance should be significantly reduced, or the provision of assistance should be free at all. Hence, in the UK, assistance and medical advice are provided to any citizen for free. At the same time, the country constantly occupies a leading position in many ratings of the quality of medicine. Accordingly, if services in the US healthcare system are available to a wide range of people, the number of healthy and able-bodied people will be significantly higher.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it is worth noting that each of the health systems in the countries is unique and inimitable in its structure, basic system, and business processes. Undoubtedly, each aspect has its positive sides and negative aspects. For instance, modern American medicine has high indicators in terms of technological progress. In addition, they are quite careful about treating patients with individual consultations in this country. However, there are two main problems here – a shortage of medical personnel and expensive medical services.

On the contrary, in contrast to American medicine, the UK’s structure and healthcare system have the following features. Thus, the British system is good because it provides medical services completely free of charge for any category of citizens within the NHS. Medical institutions and employees are sufficiently savvy in technical aspects that allow competent management of patient information and data. Such moments allow the doctor to correctly assess the cause and symptoms of the disease and the possible outcome. Despite this, the healthcare system in the UK has such disadvantages as a weak correlation between the available budget and the needs of people, as well as a long wait for medical care. Indeed, the pros and cons mentioned above are not limited to those described in the text.

References

Boyle, P. (2020). U.S. physician shortage growing. AAMC. Web.

Montgomery, H. E., Haines, A., Marlow, N., Pearson, G., Mythen, M. G., Grocott, M. P. W., & Swanton, C. (2017). The future of UK healthcare: Problems and potential solutions to a system in crisis. Annals of Oncology, 28(8), pp. 1751-1755. Web.

Weiss, G.L., & Copelton, D.A. (2016). The sociology of health, healing, and illness (8^th ed.). Routledge.