The association between healthcare resource allocation and health status: an empirical insight with visual analytics
Viju Raghupathi, Wullianallur Raghupathi
Abstract
Healthcare resource allocation varies worldwide. It is integral that countries identify optimal allocation methods to distribute healthcare resources to ensure and sustain good population heath. This study examines the association between healthcare resource allocation and perception of health status across countries. Data from OECD Health Statistics and OECD Health Care Resources is analyzed with visual analytics methodology. Findings show that the relationship between factors that influence resource allocation and health status differ based on the development status and geographic location of countries. In developing countries, there is a significant relationship between the number of hospitals and absence from work due to perceived poor health. Medical resource allocation is positively associated with health status perception in countries where the allocation is proportional to incidence of diseases. Among the various medical resources, medical personnel are the most important factor in both developing and developed countries in influencing the positive perceived health status of the population. With more healthcare resources people’s life expectancy should increase, and overall mortality should decline. This study offers several implications for the future. Governments can take differential actions based on their citizens’ needs to improve their perceived health status. In general, there should be an emphasis on allocation of human medical resources, rather than medical equipment. Businesses should invest more in healthcare education to be able to implement and administer government health policies. Strategic investments in key healthcare resources can boost revenue and offer sufficient incentives for development of innovative medical technology.