Future of healthcare reform in the USA: lessons from abroad

Abstract

Healthcare reform in any nation is an evolving process. Brought about by demographic, technological, social, cultural, economic and political factors, all healthcare systems are continually confronting issues related to cost, access and quality. This paper examines other countries’ approaches to healthcare in the ongoing efforts at healthcare reform in the USA. While recognizing the uniqueness of the healthcare system in each nation, it appears there are valuable lessons from other nations to be considered by policy makers in the USA as healthcare reform continues to evolve. This paper synthesizes several lessons for the USA that may be applicable by looking beyond its borders. In so doing, it reveals differences that may be insightful in considering future healthcare paradigms influencing healthcare reform efforts in the USA.

• access
• cost
• health status
• international comparisons
• lessons
• public health
• quality
• reform
• satisfaction
• uninsured