Borlein Health Region, Research Paper Example

A.In the Borlein Health Region case study, it is important to recognize the challenges that exist within the community as a result of its geographic boundaries and environment. The transition from regional to local health districts was a significant change for the region and required an understanding of the benefits versus the risks associated with this change (Forbes 11). The ability to restructure health services is essential to the region in order to perform maximum outreach and to address a larger group of people who require these services (Forbes 12). The key stakeholders include local residents within the region who depend on these services, local leaders, and healthcare providers, all of whom possess a responsibility to care for their patients, even during the transition phase (Forbes 12). These key stakeholders also have a tremendous impact on the type and level of services that are provided to patients, depending on the severity of their conditions (Forbes 12). Local patients and organizations providing service to these individuals possess a strong interest in the potential success of the transition process because they require these services on a regular basis (Forbes 12). To be specific, elderly residents require a specific type and approach to care and treatment that has been effective in supporting the desired treatment outcomes (Forbes 12). The challenges of this process, however, play a critical role in the level of service that is provided to local residents (Forbes 12). These developments are likely to play a role in determining if the transition strategy has been successful in providing services to patients in need throughout the region, only at a local level (Forbes 12). The ability to restructure this environment in the desired manner requires a lengthy Hservices designed as long term care or social services are likely to be utilized on a regular basis; therefore, these resources must be appropriate and cost effective (Forbes 15).

The key stakeholders in this case study must also demonstrate their leadership and argue in favor of the best interests of local residents (Forbes 17). The choice of communities in which to develop local services was of primary concern, accompanied by the development of new perspectives to address the healthcare needs of the local population (Forbes 19). With a restructure effort, it is likely that there would be a series of important concepts introduced to the group in order to determine if the transition of these services is required (Forbes 20). In response to the challenges of the health status of the local population, statistical findings play an important role in this process, particularly in the area of diagnoses and other related attributes (Forbes 20). A lengthy discussion must be conducted in order to determine how to best move forward and to initiate change as required (Forbes 20).

1. Based upon the statistics that have been provided, there are considerable contributions required in order to identify the level of demand for beds that is likely to occur. For each of the regions under consideration, the use of formulas is necessary in order to determine demand for beds. For example, it is expected that there will be a greater level of demand for services at Oldorando because this location has the largest number of beds that are available for use. In addition, Ottassol is likely to experience a steady demand for beds because this region is similar in capacity and scope. These statistics are important because they permit financial projections to take place and to address any challenges that might occur with respect to bed utilization. The demand for beds and subsequent utilization rates are important because they have a dramatic impact on the level of service that is provided within the region and within a specific community-based setting.
2. The utilization of services within a region or local community-based setting must be addressed prior to making any definitive and lasting changes to existing protocols. It is anticipated that with an increased level of demand, there will be a greater need for services within specific focus areas or locations. However, resource allocation efforts are not always simple to manage and therefore, many resources are not utilized in the most cost effective ways. From an economic point of view, there are significant challenges to address as the costs associated with healthcare services continue to increase. Therefore, it is necessary to address specific factors that may be valid contributors to sustaining healthcare models within a given region or community.

Other alternatives to the proposed change should also be considered because these alternatives might be effective in facilitating greater than expected outcomes in some areas. For example, it is necessary to consider the role of specific diseases and their prevalence within communities in order to determine if the management of these conditions is substantial and warrants a shift in the service model (Coleman et.al 75). This set of circumstances is relevant because for chronic illnesses, there appears to be a continuous increase in demand for services in this area that require expansion and increased resource allocation (Coleman et.al, 75). These concerns, however, might not warrant sweeping changes in healthcare practice within communities (Coleman et.al 75). On the contrary, it is believed that opportunities may exist to develop specific strategies that will provide greater opportunities for education, but that will also favor some degree of stability within existing structures (Coleman et.al 75). These contributions are significant and also represent a means of evaluating outcomes in a manner that is consistent with community needs (Coleman et.al 75).

In the case study example, it is necessary to determine if cost effective measures could be achieved without making significant changes to the local and regional infrastructure. Therefore, Policy developments and changes must be addressed at an expanded level in order to maintain cost effectiveness (Gortmaker 838). When policy changes are addressed in an open forum, it is likely that communities will have a voice regarding these issues, thereby creating the potential for change at the policy level (Gortmaker 838). These efforts are important because they convey the challenges related to policymaking and how this relates to changes in healthcare practice that will offer numerous benefits (Gortmaker 838). There is a need for greater controls throughout healthcare practice and in smaller regions and communities, and the use of policymaking initiatives may play an important role in these practices over time (Gortmaker 838). This perspective provides an opportunity to make changes without having to modify an entire infrastructure and displace individuals and practices in the process (Gortmaker 838).

Finally, the potential exists to utilize existing resources in different ways to promote cost effectiveness. By reducing waste and cutting costs in areas deemed unnecessary, the reallocation of resources through budget evaluations to ensure that the resources available within a given community are appropriate and sufficient. In areas where waste is identified, these resources could be utilized in more effective ways, such as the purchase or expansion of technologies that will have a positive impact on local communities (Neumann and Tunis, 2010). Technology must be incorporated into existing practice methods in a cost effective manner so that resources are utilized wisely and efficiently without compromising the quality of care that is provided to patients (Neumann and Tunis, 2010). Therefore, the utilization of technology is likely to benefit local community healthcare settings in a positive manner (Neumann and Tunis, 2010).

Works Cited

Coleman, Katie, Austin, Brian T., Brach, Cindy, and Wagner, Edward H. “Evidence on the Chronic Care Model in the new millennium.” Health Affairs, 28.1(2009): 75-85.

Forbes, Ian. “The Borlein Local Health District: A Case Study for Strategic Planning.” Pp. 1-28.

Gortmaker, Steven L., Swinburn, Boyd, Levy, David, Carter, Rob, Mabry, Patricia L., Finegood, Diane, Huang, Terry, Marsh, Tim, and Moodie, Marj. “Changing the future of obesity: science, policy and action. Lancet, 378.9793(2011): 838-847.

Neumann, Peter J., and Tunis, Sean R. “Medicare and medical technology – the growing demand for relevant outcomes.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 362(2010): 377-379.