FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessments

Conceptualization of Healthcare

Efforts are being made in order to prepare an index of health status. This index has three main objectives of which the main objective is the evaluation of the effectiveness of healthcare that is financed by public funds. The aim of these programs and systems are to make improvements in the delivery of healthcare especially of some population aggregates. This evaluation requires a proper operational definition of health (Larson, 1999).

The literal meaning of health is quite complex and continuously changes. In the United States, the conceptual model is the most widely used but the model presented by the World Health Organization is gaining popularity. Apart from these two, there are some more models that are used widely. By combining and understanding these models, a comprehensive strategy can be formulated in order to provide adequate and high quality healthcare to patients at lower costs (ncbi).

In the United States, the main focus of healthcare policies is on quality, access, and cost. However, the main focus these days is on the financing and cost because healthcare is now quite expensive and all discussion has kept the topic of expenses above all other topics. Due to this, the quality and access has been restricted on terms of escalating costs. There are several problems faced while conceptualizing healthcare. For example, since it is difficult to determine whether a blind person is less healthy than a person who is sighted. Therefore conceptualizing health is very difficult since various aspects need to be considered.

Determinants of Health

There are several factors that either individually or in combination affect the health of communities and individuals. The environment and circumstances determine whether or not a person is healthy or not. To a large extent, genetics, relationships, education and income level, environment, and where we live have an impact on health. Therefore, the focus is on factors that affect the health of individuals. The determinants of health include the behavior and characteristic of the individual, the physical environment, and the economic and social environment. Many of the determinants of health can be controlled; however, there are some determinants that are not in the control of the individuals. Therefore, it is unjust to blame someone for their poor health and crediting other for their good health.

Apart from these three main factors, there are several other factors that directly or indirectly affect the health of individuals. These factors include income, social status, education, genetics, health service, and gender (Determinants of Health, 2012). Health Impact Assessments (HIA) needs to be carried out in order to determine the impact certain projects have on the health. Firstly, in order to determine the impacts of certain factors, the best available evidence is used. The extent of the impact and its distribution in population groups is also measured.

Connection between the Definition of Health and the Way Society Pursues It

Health is defined as a state of complete social, mental, and physical well-being and is not just related to the absence of infirmity or ...