HLTEN516: Assignment

• HLTEN516 Topic 9 Assignment - ESSAY
Write a 500 word essay on the following topic:
• What are the major weaknesses in our current health care system and what needs to be done to ensure a more effective equal health care system for both city and remote areas of Australia?

A quote, from the Australia’s Health Report (2010) questions, “How much credit or blame can the health system take for our health?” In fact the health system is one influence of many, and yet a major influence in the health of people covering both prevention and treatment. Did you know that Cancer is responsible for Australia’s largest disease burden?

Between the years of 1998 and 2004 the median survival rate for all cancers was at 61% (Australian Heath Report 2010).

From here the relative survival rates for remote and regional locations were recorded statistically lower then the average, which could be perceived as an inherent lack of medical services. 1 in 3 people in Australians affected by cancer live in regional or rural areas which is major contributing factors of availability of diagnostic and treatment services and therefore later diagnosis. In 2006, a COSA study found there were marked deficiencies in cancer services in rural and regional areas of Australia and that the quality and availability of services directly influenced survival rates all of which are impacted by the quality of the Australian Heath System. Previous studies (summarised by Jong, Vale and Armstrong in the MJA, 2005) have documented examples of poorer cancer care in rural and remote areas including less and later diagnosis for all cancers in comparison to metropolitan areas.

The above highlights a weakness within the Australian Health Care system that does not have a simple solution. It is not feasible to have every service in each rural or regional area. However by having this lack of service has a significant impact on the outcomes of people in these locations. Per capital rural community’s/ town cannot compare to big cities in regards to patient numbers. The heath services in regional locations needs to upscale and improve their capabilities to cater for a the number of patients who are dependent on the services to improved the probability of those affected by disease.

Though it is evident there is significant improvement required in these areas and is still a particular weakness for the Australian health system improvements are always being made regarding early diagnosis and treatment.
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• your completed essay.
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