My Health Services Organization Course for Concordia University includes readings and an activity related to healthcare in other countries. I'm one of those people who doesn't always believe the grass is greener on the other side ... of the pond. Each country's health system is unique to their culture, beliefs of their people and resources. To say that any one system could be cookie cut and moved to some other country is a huge risk in judgment.
This latest article on challenges in Britain and their need for patient transport support from the Red Cross is an opportunity for both Democrats and Republicans to pause and reflect. The grass isn't always greener on the other side, unless of course it is artificial turf... but, even that isn't the same.
What is interesting is that each of my students at the end of this portion of the course, still prefers the healthcare delivery system that they know. I wonder how long it will take to find a student in health administration, some of whom are clinicians, to prefer the system of another country.
This week I leave for London and Paris and will be doing my own comparison from the ground. My goal is to observe, speak with locals and see what the average man in other countries thinks. A litmus test of sorts to aid in my own knowledge and teaching. Of course, I'll also share some best practices and lessons learned with my blog readers, as well!
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