Globalization And Healthcare: Medical Services

This week's discussions are a bit of a jumble. We examine three extremely important, but often overlooked, issues.
Globalization is a phenomenon that cuts across many industries. The concept of “made in” a nation is almost irrelevant. The top two car models built in the United States are the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
This international perspective applies to healthcare as well. Until recently, Zika was an obscure disease, a footnote in communicable disease references. Rapid international travel and global commerce move people and products around the world faster than ever – and this includes diseases carried along the way.
Far from a distant concern, disease, illness, and injury have worldwide relevance. Take some time to browse two analyses of this impact:
• World Health Organization: Global Health Estimates (GHE)
• Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation: Global Burden of Disease (GBD)
The international market allows us to comparison shop. Would you consider a surgical procedure, say a hip replacement, in India if it cost a fraction of the price of the same procedure in the U.S. and the facility was accredited by a deemed status organization? Perhaps more importantly, would your health insurance consider it?
Technology enables options unthought-of of just a generation ago. This week's readings touch upon some of the ways this is happening. Physical distance and boundaries become a planning factor, instead of an obstacle.
Healthcare infrastructure – people, facilities, and capabilities – is a critical component of society. Keeping that facet operational is an increasingly relevant matter. When a health emergency arises or a disaster occurs, the ability to meet the peoples' needs becomes important. When the hospital, clinic, or public health system is a victim, that need is paramount. Being prepared for the unpredictable and the unthinkable is a universal responsibility. However, the realm of emergency preparedness and response is an emerging body of knowledge. This week's second Discussion explores this topic.
Review these two web sites:
• Medical Tourism
• Medical Tourism Statistics & Facts
Based on the information provided, what (as a healthcare professional) would you recommend to a family member considering these services? Remember to build your recommendation on facts and relevant research (not opinion). Why would an overseas procedure be a good option? Why might it not? Why might someone want to come to the United States for medical treatment?
2) Research one of the following incidents.
• Hurricane Andrew
• The Northridge Earthquake
• The 2001 postal anthrax attacks
• Hurricane Katrina
• The Joplin Tornado
• The Tuscaloosa Tornado
• Superstorm Sandy
• The 2014 Ebola outbreak
How did the event impact the hospital and health community? What steps could have been taken to better prepare? To better respond? Does your institution or workplace have a continuity of operations (COOP) plan? Do you test it regularly?