Structure and Economics of Community Health Services

Structure and Economics of Community Health Services

Many factors and events have influenced the current structure, function, and

financing of community health services. Understanding this background gives the

community health nurse a stronger base for planning for the health of the

population. A group of student nurses have been requested to present a 1 hour in

service to the local health department on the structure and economics of

community health services as part of the community health nursing course

requirements. The presentation has to include information about a variety of topics.

1. What are the key historical events and philosophical developments that have

led to today’s health services delivery systems?

2. What are the differences between the functions of public versus private

sector health care agencies?

3. What are the three core functions of public health as they apply to health

service delivery?

4. There are several trends and issues that have influenced community health

care financing and delivery that are important in understanding health care

economics and helping to improve community health. What are some of

these trends and issues?

5. In what important ways has the changing nature of health care financing

adversely affected community health nursing and its practice?