Health Service Administration
The research process includes drafting a thesis statement; writing research questions; collecting and analyzing sources; and finally, reporting or writing on findings. After you choose a topic, you need to address two opposing points of view on the topic. To start, you should do some preliminary research to find out the viewpoints you would like to explore, the different sides to the issues, and the research that has already been done. Once you get a sense of the different sides to the issue, you will be able to further explore specific aspects of the topic in depth.
Think of it simply as there are two sides to every story, and as such, there are two sides to each topic – some that will agree and some that will not. The goal of this paper is to explore each side and present evidence that correctly proves your thesis statement on the topic. An example of a topic would be: Should there be universal healthcare for all Americans? There are people who support and those who oppose the idea of universal healthcare. Your assignment is to come up with a thesis statement on that topic, look at it from both sides, and present evidence that will prove your thesis statement correct.
Thesis Statement: Universal healthcare should be implemented in the United States to ensure equal access to quality healthcare for all citizens, promote better health outcomes, and reduce healthcare disparities.
Opposing Viewpoint 1: The Financial Burden Argument
Some argue against universal healthcare on the grounds of the potential financial burden it may impose on individuals and the government. They contend that implementing such a system would require substantial tax increases, leading to a strain on the economy and a decrease in individual disposable income. Furthermore, critics claim that government-run healthcare programs are often associated with inefficiencies, long wait times, and limited choices for patients.
Evidence against the Financial Burden Argument
- Cost Savings through Prevention: Studies have shown that preventive healthcare measures, such as early disease detection and timely interventions, can reduce healthcare costs in the long run. Universal healthcare can prioritize preventive care, leading to early diagnosis and treatment, which can help lower overall healthcare expenditure.
- Comparative Analysis: Analyzing countries with universal healthcare systems, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, reveals that despite higher taxation, individuals often pay less for healthcare in terms of out-of-pocket expenses compared to the United States. Studies have demonstrated that per capita healthcare spending is significantly lower in countries with universal healthcare compared to the U.S.
- Administrative Efficiency: Advocates argue that a single-payer system can simplify administrative processes and reduce healthcare bureaucracy. By streamlining paperwork, negotiations with insurance companies, and billing procedures, universal healthcare can help lower administrative costs, allowing resources to be directed towards patient care.
Opposing Viewpoint 2: The Quality of Care Argument
Opponents of universal healthcare argue that the quality of care may decline if the system is extended to cover the entire population. They claim that government-controlled healthcare could lead to longer wait times for specialized treatments and surgeries, reduced access to innovative treatments and technologies, and a potential decline in the overall quality of healthcare services.
Evidence against the Quality of Care Argument
- Improved Access and Health Outcomes: Studies have shown that countries with universal healthcare systems achieve better health outcomes, including lower mortality rates and higher life expectancies. Universal healthcare ensures access to timely care, reducing health disparities and improving overall population health.
- Comparative Health Metrics: When comparing health indicators and outcomes, countries with universal healthcare often outperform the United States. For example, the World Health Organization’s ranking of healthcare systems consistently places countries with universal healthcare ahead of the U.S. in terms of overall healthcare performance.
- Health Technology Adoption: Universal healthcare systems can leverage their collective bargaining power to negotiate lower drug prices and facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies. Additionally, centralized healthcare systems enable better coordination of care, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced medical errors.
