Introduction to Health Statistics
BHS220 Introduction to Health Statistics We are constantly looking for information on the health of people and the country. According to one site, health statistics provide key indicators that help us know about the conditions of life in a country (Importance, n.d.). The author goes on to say these statistics help us understand the impact of health on people and work for their betterment. As we monitor the health of a population, we enhance our understanding of strategies to promote its health (Importance, n.d.). Based on the issues we are having with the new healthcare plan, discuss whether or not you feel that health planners, government officials, and healthcare organizations will use social issues/pressures or health statistics to determine strategies? Which is more reliable? In preparing your response, ensure that you properly in-text cite all sources used in the support of your stated positions and the example or examples you chose to utilize. The response needs to be a minimum of 250 words Also, you will need to include the references at the end of your posting. Reference: Importance. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www(dot)nlm(dot)nih(dot)gov/nichsr/usestats/importance.html Uses. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www(dot)nlm(dot)nih(dot)gov/nichsr/usestats/uses.html
Introduction to Health Statistics
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Course: BHS220
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Health statistics play a critical role towards understanding the best strategies in promoting health (NIS, 2008).There are various health indicators that show progress made on healthcare on particular populations, as well as making it easier for policy makers to utilize health statics in informing policies. Nonetheless, social issues also influence health policies, depending on the prevailing attitude among constituents, pressure from lobby groups and non state actors. In any case, planners rely on health statics when deciding on the optimal allocation for scarce resources, highlighting the importance of health statistics.
Health statistics are important indicators of the need for healthcare reform; with increase in health care spending meant to improve health care. The reforms will be seen as being successful if there are improved health situation without excessive increase in costs. Furthermore, health statistics inform planning on implementing healthcare policies given that, officials rely on health statistics when targeting beneficiaries of health care reforms (Patel & Rushefsky,...