HEALTH CARE AS AN INDUSTRY: THE GOOD AND THE BAD

This is a hot topic, and we might even go political here, but I truly believe it is our duty not only as health professionals but also as citizens, to be concerned by it. This article will mostly rely on my opinion on the theme, based on some generally known facts about the industry and the different health systems. I understand basic health care as being a human right and not a privilege. Every country should be committed to achieving a universal system by whatever means it decides to be the best for their population. However, what is acknowledged as relevant health care? And can it reach everyone? It is probably unreasonable to support all health costs of the population and the door for private businesses must be opened.

The bad

It is undeniable that the main goal of most companies within an industry is to create profit. The more, the better. This is such a principle that some stakeholders might ignore ethical values in order to make sure their company is making money. This has been mentioned as one of the main problems regarding private health care, and some consider that it should not be exclusively efficient, but that it must be also effective and caring (Rastegar, 2004).

Another often used argument is how private health businesses generate inequality, as higher quality service typically requires higher costs and resources, which only a few will be able to afford. Without adequate financial support for those in need, reliance on private health care providers will often lead to inferior health care services for those most vulnerable within society, which are frequently also the ones most in need of adequate care.

Additionally, in a free market it is usually up to the individual to make its own choice and assessment of which service better suits his needs. However, medicine is a very complex science, and most people are not well informed about the best practice which might lead to incorrect choices. Being sick, some might not even have the capacity to decide.

Given the large scale of the investment required to develop, build and operate quality health facilities and services, this is an industry with considerable barriers to entrance which tends to create large monopolies around established companies. Yet, adaptability and innovation are continually changing the market and providing new and more efficient services. Wait, but isn’t that a good thing?

The good

Competition in the private sector is the main driver for new and improved services. Companies are constantly finding ways to innovate and be more profitable, which will subsequently provide superior quality services to the population (Acar & Acar, 2012). This is why we tend to associate the public sector with weaker services. Successful companies hire the best specialists and motivate them to continue education with incentives and higher salaries. This also encourages other health practitioners to become better professionals and progress their careers.

On the other hand, what was previously described as a problem can be interpreted as an advantage. Customers are free to choose the service they believe it is best for them. There are many more alternatives and consequently, reduced waiting lists to have access to necessary care. Sure, they might choose incorrectly from time to time but this can also happen with a weaker service in the public sector, and if the market is working as it should inefficient companies will either adapt or go out of business. Normally they do, because private businesses are generally managed with much more proficiency.

Well, but inequality and high costs are still a problem, right? Some developed countries have started creating a new universal model for their health systems based on insurance coverage as a mandatory norm for all citizens. This covers almost completely all of the fundamental health necessities of their population. And it is built in a way that allows all individuals efficient access to health care. This has been done in countries such as The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland, some of the best-known nations regarding the efficiency of their health care. However, this requires extensive regulation from the government to allow guaranteed issue and community rating

A short consideration for rehabilitation and sports industry

As general health care, rehabilitation and sports industries are some of the most personal services that individuals require and the choice should lie with them as to who to work with, where to go to and how much to value different services. Therefore, it is up to us to create innovative and competitive solutions within this market in order to generate profit.

When building our own businesses, we should adopt specific strategies to improve our financial outcomes in a competitive market. Distinction and desirable services tailored to particular consumer profiles have shown to interest and motivate customers (Woolf, 2008). Additionally, attention to customer services and relationships helps to build effective retention rates, as does customer satisfaction with frequency of attendance (Ferrand, Robinson, & Valette-Florence, 2010; Hurley, 2004).

We should always keep an eye on whatever is being developed lately and constantly reform our practice as the market advances, never disregarding that we are evidence-based professionals. It is not acceptable to ignore the principles of our practice in the name of profit.

Conclusion

Treating health care as an industry has created some significant problems for all of us as human beings in need of continuous medical support. However, this has also contributed to an improvement of the services available within this field. A cleverly regulated competitive market might be our best bet for the future. This is also why I chose to create ELEVATE, to improve myself and to provide a better service for those who choose to work with me.

References

· Acar, A. Z., & Acar, P. (2012). The Effects of Organizational Culture and Innovativeness on Business Performance in Healthcare Industry. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 58, 683–692.

· Ferrand, A., Robinson, L., & Valette-Florence, P. (2010). The intention-to-repurchase paradox: A case of the health and fitness industry. Journal of Sport Management, 24(1), 83–105.

· Hurley, T. (2004). Managing Customer Retention in the Health and Fitness Industry: a Case of Neglect. Irish Marketing Review, 17.

· Rastegar, D. A. (2004). Health care becomes an industry. Annals of Family Medicine, 2(1), 79–83.

· Woolf, J. (2008). Competitive advantage in the health and fitness industry: developing service bundles. Sport Management Review, 11, 51–75.