HLTHAGE 1AA3 Lecture Notes - Commodification, Medical Necessity, Social Choice Theory
16 Dec 2013
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Document Summary
Distribution of the healthcare resources is the point of interest. A dance between social choice and political power. Health an existential good, a use value, a collective and public good = a benefit to society. Health largely unpredictable not a choice as in consuming goods, it is a general life risk and can not be regulated. Demand for medical health is initially non-specific illness must be defined by the specialist/expert = gives them power and discretion. Patient is vulnerable, dependent, in need, also fearful and perhaps shameful. The most in need are usually the ones with the least financial resources. Market is a blind power without social orientation. The state needs to decide how healthcare is delivered and distributed. Research indicates the field of healthcare is person oriented, uncertain, sensitive and complex. Money, competition, legal insecurity, professional career ambitions influence clinical decisions, consciously or unconsciously. There exists a contradiction between market pressure and individual patients" needs.
