Influences in Health Care, Essay Example

Introduction

A report in Lisbon covered by Medpage, illustrated that 366 million people are suffering from diabetes throughout the world. It raises the need to take non-communicable diseases more seriously and will raise pressure on the hospitals and medical profession to have additional facilities to support patient care in this area. The latest figures are alarming in that they have increased by 300 million since 2009.  (Flore).  The report also indicated that around 4.6 million deaths occur from the disease on an annual basis.

Hospital Implications

The disease has strong links to obesity, lack of exercise and sedentary living. This has a major implication for additional patient care required in the support and medical care for these individuals. Global spending care for these individuals has been estimated to be in the region of $465 billion. The report wished to emphasise that there is a need for the world to recognize that Diabetes represents a major challenge to the health system.

At this point in time, my hospital has equally seen increased need for patient care appropriate to support and medical aid for diabetes patients.  Recent studies have shown that diabetic patients are also prone to other diseases, particularly that of arterial, cardio vascular and other hear conditions.  In 2004, the figure of 12.4% was quoted as being applicable to Diabetes discharges from US hospitals.  The longer-term effects for the hospital indicate that increased resources will need to be channelled into the area that has responsibility for treatment and support of diabetic patients.  Changes have already started in the expansion of this unit with additional human resources, improved infrastructure facilities and additional short-term beds for those requiring hospital stays in the 4-5 day turnover category.  Research and Development is also an important area looking at new treatments and approaches to deal with the disease.

Works Cited

Flore, Kristina. “EASD: Diabetes estimate now 366 million.” MedPage Today (2011): 1-2.