Health care: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:18, 19 March 2025

Health care or healthcare refers to the maintenance and improvement of both mental and physical health through the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and injuries. Health care encompasses a wide range of services provided by medical professionals, including medical diagnosis, treatment, surgery, pharmaceuticals, and rehabilitation services.

Health care is recognized as a fundamental component of human rights, and various international human rights law frameworks and social security systems ensure access to medical services for populations worldwide.

Primary Care[edit]

A Primary care doctor (PCD) or Primary care physician (PCP) serves as the first point of contact in the health care system. These physicians provide preventive care, diagnose and manage a variety of health conditions, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. Common examples of primary care services include:

Routine check-ups
Immunizations and vaccinations
Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses
Health screenings and lifestyle counseling

Secondary and Tertiary Care[edit]

Secondary care involves specialized medical services provided by experts such as cardiologists, dermatologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Typically, a referral from a primary care physician is required to access secondary care services.

Tertiary care refers to highly specialized medical treatment provided in advanced health facilities, including:

Neurosurgery
Cardiac surgery
Oncology (cancer treatment)
Organ transplantation
Specialized intensive care

Culture of Health[edit]

The concept of the Culture of Health emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health. This philosophy promotes:

Preventive healthcare
Wellness programs
Health education
Community health initiatives

The culture of health is built on the principle that good health extends beyond medical care and includes social, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Health Care Systems[edit]

A Health system consists of all organizations, people, and actions whose primary purpose is to promote, restore, or maintain health. Health care systems vary significantly worldwide and can be classified into different models:

Universal health care – A government-run system ensuring that all citizens receive medical care (e.g., the National Health Service in the UK).
Private health care – Medical services are provided by private institutions and paid for by individuals or insurance.
Mixed health care system – A combination of public and private health services (e.g., the US health care system).

Right to Health Care[edit]

The right to health care is recognized as a fundamental human right by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations. Key legal frameworks include:

Several countries have incorporated the right to health into their constitutions, ensuring that citizens have access to essential health services.

Social Security and Health Care[edit]

Social security plays a critical role in providing health care access, particularly for vulnerable populations. Various countries use social security systems to:

Provide government-funded health care (e.g., Medicare in the US)
Offer financial assistance for medical expenses
Ensure coverage for retirees, disabled individuals, and low-income citizens

Challenges in Health Care[edit]

Despite advancements in medicine and technology, health care faces several challenges worldwide:

Health care disparities – Unequal access to medical services based on geography, income, or social status.
Rising health care costs – Increasing expenses for medical treatments and medications.
Shortage of medical professionals – Lack of trained doctors, nurses, and specialists in many regions.
Emerging infectious diseases – Global health threats such as COVID-19 and Ebola.

Future of Health Care[edit]

The future of health care is shaped by technological innovations and policy changes, including:

Telemedicine – Remote consultations through digital platforms.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI-driven diagnostics and treatment recommendations.
Genomic Medicine – Personalized treatments based on genetic information.
Integrated Health Care Systems – Collaboration between hospitals, clinics, and wellness programs to provide holistic patient care.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Health care''' or '''healthcare''' is the preservation of [[mental health|mental]] and physical [[health]] by preventing or treating [[illness]]es through services offered by the health profession and its staff. Health care includes all reasonable and necessary medical aid, medical examinations, medical [[treatment]]s, medical diagnoses, medical evaluations and medical services. The right to health care is considered one of [[human rights]] with [[international human rights law]] as well as [[social security]].
+'''Health care''' or '''healthcare''' refers to the maintenance and improvement of both [[mental health|mental]] and [[physical health]] through the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and injuries. Health care encompasses a wide range of services provided by medical professionals, including [[medical diagnosis]], [[treatment]], [[surgery]], [[pharmaceuticals]], and rehabilitation services.
-[[File:Terapevt Mudrov train.JPG|thumb|[[Siberia]]n Medical Train "[[Therapist]] Matvei Mudrov" in [[Russia]]<ref>[http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/06/siberian-train/yaffa-text ''Train for the Forgotten; For Siberia's isolated villagers, the doctor is in the railway car.''] June 2014 issue [[National Geographic (magazine)]]</ref>]]
+[[File:Terapevt Mudrov train.JPG|thumb|[[Siberia]]n Medical Train "[[Therapist]] Matvei Mudrov" in [[Russia]]]]
 [[File:Universal Healthcare by Country.svg|thumb|Universal Healthcare by Country]]
-== Primary care ==
-A [[primary care doctor]] ('''PCD''') or '''primary care physician''' ('''PCP''') is a [[Medical doctor|doctor]] who provides general medical care. These doctors can answer health concerns and medical conditions a patient may have. They also can prescribe [[medicine]] for their patients, based on information gathered.
-== Culture of health ==
+Health care is recognized as a fundamental component of [[human rights]], and various [[international human rights law]] frameworks and [[social security]] systems ensure access to medical services for populations worldwide.
-In 1968, [[Victor Skumin]] proposed the [[Terminology|term]] ″Culture of Health″, which has become widespread.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/wellness/culture_of_health |title=Culture of Health |publisher=Unsystem.edu |accessdate=14 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://900igr.net/prezentatsii/fizkultura/Kultura-zdorovja/006-Vpervye-termin-kultura-zdorovja-obosnoval-i-vvel-v-upotreblenie-v.html |year=2009 |author=Kovaleva E. A. |title=Педагогический совет. Культура здоровья учащихся как фактор здоровьесберегающей среды школы. Слайд 6 |trans-title=Pedagogical Council. Slide 6 of the presentation "culture of health" to the lessons of physical education on the theme the "Health" |publisher=900igr.net |accessdate=November 19, 2014}}</ref> The main task of a Culture of Health is to implement innovative health programs that support a [[Holism|holistic approach]] to physical, mental and spiritual [[health]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jnj.com/caring/citizenship-sustainability/strategic-framework/culture-of-health |title=Culture of Health |publisher=Jnj.com |accessdate=November 19, 2014}}</ref> [[Holism]] is the idea that natural [[system]]s ([[physical]], [[biological]], [[chemical]], [[social]], [[economic]], [[mental]], [[Linguistics|linguistic]], etc.) and their properties, should be viewed as wholes, not as collections of parts.
+== Primary Care ==
+A '''[[Primary care doctor]]''' ('''PCD''') or '''[[Primary care physician]]''' ('''PCP''') serves as the first point of contact in the health care system. These physicians provide preventive care, diagnose and manage a variety of health conditions, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. Common examples of primary care services include:
+* Routine check-ups
+* Immunizations and vaccinations
+* Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses
+* Health screenings and lifestyle counseling
-According to Skumin, the culture of health is not only the mechanical connection of the two [[concept]]s—the concept of ″[[culture]]″ and the concept of ″[[health]]″. This is their [[synthesis]], which forms a new quality, a new content. Skumin examines the culture of health as the specific [[science]], that develops the theoretical and practical tasks of harmonious development of the spiritual, mental, and physical human force, forming of optimum environment, which provides a higher level of creativity of life. Thus, Skumin argues that the culture of health is a separate science, that creates new content. The main challenge of culture of health is the development of spiritual, mental and physical capabilities of man.
-[[File:Healthcare Building.jpg|thumb|Healthcare Building]]
-In 1994, Skumin was elected to the post of the President-founder of the '''World Organisation of Culture of Health''' ('''WOCH''') — International [[social movement]] "To Health via Culture".<ref name="Culture of health">{{cite web |url=http://ru.science.wikia.com/wiki/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0_%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8C%D1%8F|title=Культура здоровья |trans-title=Culture of health |publisher=science.wikia.com |accessdate=9 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thecultureofhealth.org/test/home.html |title=The Culture of Health |publisher=thecultureofhealth.org |accessdate=14 July  2015}}</ref>
 == Secondary and Tertiary Care ==
-Secondary care, often referred to as hospital and specialist care, is health care services provided by medical specialists and other health professionals who generally do not have a first contact with patients, for example, cardiologists, urologists and dermatologists. A referral from a primary care provider is generally required to access secondary care<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is secondary care?|url=https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-secondary-care/|access-date=2023-05-03}}</ref>.
-Tertiary care is specialized consultative health care, usually for inpatients and on referral from a primary or secondary health professional, in a facility that has personnel and facilities for advanced medical investigation and treatment, such as a tertiary referral hospital<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is tertiary care?|url=https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-tertiary-care/|access-date=2023-05-03}}</ref>.
+'''Secondary care''' involves specialized medical services provided by experts such as [[cardiologists]], [[dermatologists]], and [[orthopedic surgeons]]. Typically, a referral from a primary care physician is required to access secondary care services.
+'''Tertiary care''' refers to highly specialized medical treatment provided in advanced health facilities, including:
+* [[Neurosurgery]]
+* [[Cardiac surgery]]
+* [[Oncology]] (cancer treatment)
+* [[Organ transplantation]]
+* Specialized intensive care
+== Culture of Health ==
+The concept of the '''Culture of Health''' emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health. This philosophy promotes:
+* [[Preventive healthcare]]
+* [[Wellness programs]]
+* Health education
+* Community health initiatives
+The culture of health is built on the principle that good health extends beyond medical care and includes social, environmental, and behavioral factors.
+[[File:Healthcare Building.jpg|thumb|Healthcare Facility]]
 == Health Care Systems ==
-Health care systems are groups of health care providers and institutions that deliver health care services to communities. The [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) defines health systems as consisting of all organizations, people and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore or maintain health<ref>{{Cite web|last=World Health Organization|title=What is a health system?|url=https://www.who.int/healthsystems/about/en/|access-date=2023-05-03}}</ref>.
-Health care systems can vary greatly from country to country, and in some countries, health care is entirely provided by the government, while in others, it is provided by a mixture of public and private institutions.
+A '''[[Health system]]''' consists of all organizations, people, and actions whose primary purpose is to promote, restore, or maintain health. Health care systems vary significantly worldwide and can be classified into different models:
+* '''Universal health care''' – A government-run system ensuring that all citizens receive medical care (e.g., the [[National Health Service]] in the UK).
+* '''Private health care''' – Medical services are provided by private institutions and paid for by individuals or insurance.
+* '''Mixed health care system''' – A combination of public and private health services (e.g., the US health care system).
 == Right to Health Care ==
-The right to health care is considered a human right, as established by international human rights law. The [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] and the [[International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights]] both identify health care as a right of all individuals. Many countries have incorporated the right to health or the right to medical care into their constitutions<ref>{{Cite web|last=United Nations|title=The Right to Health|url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/Factsheet31.pdf|access-date=2023-05-03}}</ref>.
+The '''right to health care''' is recognized as a fundamental human right by international organizations such as the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) and the [[United Nations]]. Key legal frameworks include:
+* The [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]]
+* The [[International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights]]
+Several countries have incorporated the right to health into their constitutions, ensuring that citizens have access to essential health services.
 == Social Security and Health Care ==
-[[Social security]] plays a key role in ensuring access to health care for many individuals. In many countries, social security systems provide for health care coverage, either directly through state-run health care systems, or indirectly, by providing health insurance or subsidies for private health care.
+'''[[Social security]]''' plays a critical role in providing health care access, particularly for vulnerable populations. Various countries use social security systems to:
+* Provide government-funded health care (e.g., [[Medicare]] in the US)
+* Offer financial assistance for medical expenses
+* Ensure coverage for retirees, disabled individuals, and low-income citizens
+== Challenges in Health Care ==
+Despite advancements in medicine and technology, health care faces several challenges worldwide:
+* Health care disparities – Unequal access to medical services based on geography, income, or social status.
+* Rising health care costs – Increasing expenses for medical treatments and medications.
+* Shortage of medical professionals – Lack of trained doctors, nurses, and specialists in many regions.
+* Emerging infectious diseases – Global health threats such as [[COVID-19]] and [[Ebola]].
+== Future of Health Care ==
+The future of health care is shaped by technological innovations and policy changes, including:
+* Telemedicine – Remote consultations through digital platforms.
+* Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI-driven diagnostics and treatment recommendations.
+* Genomic Medicine – Personalized treatments based on genetic information.
+* Integrated Health Care Systems – Collaboration between hospitals, clinics, and wellness programs to provide holistic patient care.
 == See Also ==
-* [[Health system]]
-* [[Healthcare reform]]
 * [[Public health]]
 * [[Health equity]]
-== References ==
-{{Reflist}}
-==Related pages==
 * [[Universal health care]]
+* [[Health policy]]
 * [[Doctor-patient relationship]]
-{{stub}}
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Medical ethics]]
+* [[Global health]]
+* [[Nursing]]
+* [[Health care reform]]
 {{Health care}}
+{{Medicine}}
 {{Particular human rights}}
-{{Nursing}}
-{{Medicine}}
-{{Portal bar|Medicine|Society|Health care}}
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-[[Category:Health care| ]]
+[[Category:Health care]]
-[[Category:Primary care]]
+[[Category:Public health]]
-[[Category:Public services]]
+[[Category:Medical services]]
-[[Category:Health care quality|*]]
+[[Category:Health equity]]
-[[Category:Health care| ]]
+[[Category:Human rights]]
-[[Category:Medicine]]