Question 1

How does the Canada Health Act describe Canadian health care?

Accepted Answer

The Canada Health Act describes Canadian health care as facilitating reasonable access to health services. The act defines the criteria and conditions that provincial and territorial health insurance plans must meet in order to receive federal funding, including provisions for public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility. The act does not explicitly state that health care is a constitutional right, nor does it treat health care as a commodity. However, the act does reflect the fundamental value that all Canadians should have access to medically necessary health services regardless of their ability to pay.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of the element of privatization in Canadian health care?

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing laundry services to private companies is an example of the element of privatization in Canadian health care. This means that instead of being provided by the public sector, certain services are contracted out to private companies to provide more efficient and cost-effective services.

Question 3

Different models of health care exist. Which model of health care is the Russian health care system modelled after?

Accepted Answer

The Russian health care system is modelled after the national health systems model, which provides universal access to health care services and is financed through taxes or government funding. The government is responsible for the management and operation of the health care system, including the provision of services and the regulation of private providers. In Russia, the health care system is largely publicly funded and includes both public and private providers.

Question 4

John Rawls suggested that in making decisions of distributive justice, one should examine the situation behind a "veil of ignorance" so that no one would be able to design principles to favour his or her own particular condition. This idea supports a political philosophy for which Rawls was a proponent. What is that political philosophy called?

Accepted Answer

Rawls' idea of the "veil of ignorance" supports the political philosophy of egalitarianism, which holds that all individuals should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and have basic needs met. Utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing happiness for the greatest number, communitarianism emphasizes shared values and cultural norms, and libertarianism emphasizes individual freedom and minimal government intervention.

Question 5

What is the term for an out-of-pocket payment that some provinces still require?

Accepted Answer

Premiums are out-of-pocket payments required by some provinces for healthcare services. These are direct charges to individuals, separate from taxes, to help fund the healthcare system.

Question 6

The economics of Country A support the rights of property and liberty for each person and allow each citizen to improve life circumstances by his or her own effort. Health care can be purchased or given freely in Country A, but there is no entitlement program to ensure basic health care to vulnerable people. Which of the following best describes this type of economic structure?

Accepted Answer

The economic structure in Country A is most aligned with libertarianism, which prioritizes individual liberties and private property rights over government intervention and social welfare programs. The absence of an entitlement program for basic health care reflects this ideology.

Question 7

A "health care system willing to be held accountable both clinically and financially for the health outcomes of an enrolled population for a capitated (fixed) payment" describes which of the following health care financing systems?

Accepted Answer

The description given matches the characteristics of managed care, where the health care system bears financial risk for the health outcomes of the enrolled population, and receives a fixed payment (capitation) for providing health care services. Managed care systems prioritize preventing illness and ensuring quality care to avoid costly treatments and hospitalizations.

Question 8

Which of the following health care financing systems has a strong focus on the principle of autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Fee for service systems give individuals the most autonomy in their healthcare decisions since they can choose any healthcare provider or treatment option without restrictions. This system is often criticized for contributing to the overuse of healthcare services, but it aligns with the principle of autonomy. Managed care, universal health insurance, and single payer systems often have restrictions on provider choice or covered treatments, which limit individual autonomy.

Question 9

Three patients arrive at a health care facility in a remote northern area of Canada. All have serious injuries, but there is only enough room on a small plane for one patient. The nurse in charge of the facility asks; "Who needs access to specialties the most?" What does this scenario suggest?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is using a material rule of distributive justice to make the decision, which is based on the patient's need for access to specialized care. This suggests that the decision is being made based on a predetermined set of rules or principles for distributing scarce medical resources.

Question 10

In Canada, almost all people are insured against the cost of hospital and physician expenses through a government health insurance program. What is this type of health care financing commonly called?

Accepted Answer

The description matches with the concept of Universal Health Insurance where the government provides health insurance cover to its citizens. This is commonly known as Medicare in Canada. Option A, Fee for Service is a reimbursement model for healthcare providers. Option B, Out-of-pocket expenses refer to expenses that patients pay for healthcare services that are not covered by insurance. Option D, Voluntary or Private insurance refers to health insurance policies taken by individuals or organizations outside of a government-sponsored healthcare plan.

Question 11

What is a natural consequence of utilitarian forms of health care financing?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian forms of health care financing often prioritize the greatest good for the greatest number, which can lead to certain individuals or groups not receiving necessary resources and services. This is a natural consequence of utilitarianism, as it seeks to optimize overall benefit, rather than ensuring equal distribution.

Question 12

Which ethical theories of justice are based on the concept that it is good to maximize the greatest good for the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian theories are based on the idea that the best action is the one that maximizes the overall happiness or pleasure (i.e. the greatest good) for the greatest number of people. This concept is known as the principle of utility.

Question 13

According to the Romanow Commission Report, what is one of the challenges to the health care system?

Accepted Answer

The Romanow Commission Report identified one of the challenges to the health care system as resources not being used optimally, which can lead to inefficiencies and waste. The other options listed are also challenges, but they are not specifically mentioned in relation to this report.

Question 14

Which of the following can recent trends in Canadian health policy in areas concerning reform be related to?

Accepted Answer

Recent trends in Canadian health policy can be related to changing values and stronger trade relationships with the United States, as evidenced by discussions around privatization, market-based reforms, and increased reliance on private providers. These trends are also influenced by globalization and the desire to remain competitive in the global economy.

Question 15

What is one of the ethical problems associated with the traditional fee-for-service system that medicine is predominantly driven by?

Accepted Answer

The traditional fee-for-service system incentivizes healthcare providers to perform more tests, procedures, and treatments because they are paid based on the number of services provided rather than the outcome of those services. This can lead to overutilization, which can be ethically problematic because it may expose patients to unnecessary risks and costs.

Quiz 15: Economic Issues