e and resources, the issue is not whether prioritization occursbut how it occurs. In most settings, the process, whether it is called rationing or prioritizing, is neither systematic nor rationalThe consequences of these misplaced priorities are hardly esoteric.For example, the primary prevention of disease would save more lives than treating diseases after symptoms develop, but the vast resources of the healthcare system are spent largely on the latter. Failure to realign priorities sacrifices both lives and resources. Health could be markedly improved, with far less expenditure, if our healthcare system prioritized services based on their effectiveness and value (the cost of services per unit of health improvement)."
In the first two of five articles by Michael V. Maciosek, PhD, and coauthors Leif I. Solberg, MD, Nichol M. Edwards, MS, Hema S. Khanchandani, MPH, Michael J. Goodman, PhD, Ashley B. Coffield, MPA, Thomas J. Flottemesch, PhD, and Winnie W. Nelson, PharmD, at HealthPartners Research Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Partnership for Prevention, Washington, DC, the methodology for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of various preventive services is explained. Starting with the original data and rankings of 2001 from the Partnership for Prevention, and guided by the National Commission on Prevention Priorities (NCPP), the authors show that first, it is possible to calculate an objective measure of the health benefits of a specific preventive service and second, that a relative ranking of these services can provide clear guidance to public health officials and medical providers on where healthcare dollars can be directed for the most benefit.
The next two articles from the same group examine in detail two specific preventive services that were ranked highly, influenza vaccines for the elderly and colorectal cancer screening. In the study of flu vaccination, the methodology shows that over 275,000 years of life can be saved by offering v
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16-May-2006
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 Related medicine news :1.
Putting viruses to work in vaccines2.
Will the healthcare workers go to work during disasters?3.
Major employers, physicians, stakeholders unite to revolutionize Americas healthcare system4.
Emory/Georgia Tech Predictive Health Symposium features national healthcare leaders5.
Leading healthcare authorities to address safety and effectiveness6.
Study finds healthcare usage significantly altered after September 11 attacks7.
Telemedicine solutions to optimise healthcare8.
Reconstructing a healthcare system in Iraq9.
Conference to focus on healthcare systems response to disasters and overloads10.
A virtual healthcare assistant for a healthier lifestyle11.
Take meds as directed, reduce overall healthcare costs