Technology and Health care Essay Example for Free

Technology and Health care Essay Technology is â€Å"the boon and bane of medicine†. It has been a great blessing for health care system of the United States by providing new treatments and cured for the chronic illnesses, and sophisticated diagnostic procedures to reduce complication and incapacity. Ever since the postindustrial era, the development of new technology has continued to change many facets of health care delivery (Shi Singh, 2012). Telehealth is a type of technological evolution, which use telecommunication to promote health. In this paper, Application of telehealth technology in 1st home health care, Inc. located in Chicago, IL is discussed to show the impact of telehealth on the quality of care, quality of life, cost of care, and access. The social, ethical, and economic impact of telehealth on the 1st home health care, Inc. is also discussed. Increasing number of elderly patients and patients with chronic conditions have led to increase in health care institutions like home health care, to improve the standard of quality care and control the health care costs. 1st home health care, Inc. provide services including therapy services, skilled nursing, and personal care to elderly people who are homebound (1st Home Health Care, Inc.: Quality care provider, 2012). Home health care is a trend in health care delivery nowadays. More and more patients involve in the home health care trend, due to the remote monitoring and telemedicine, which allows patients to receive the care that they need in the comfort of their home. Majority of these patients are insured through the affordable care act (DeVore, 2014). Telehealth in 1st Home Health Care, Inc., Chicago, IL 60659 Telehealth is the major trend going on right now in health care services, and it is affecting health care delivery system in every level, public or private and small or big organizations. The main purpose of telehealth is promoting health by using the concept of telecommunication. Telehealth also incorporates the concept of telemedicine. There is a slight difference between both. Telemedicine is a distance medicine, in which  telecommunication is used to diagnose and treat the patient especially when the patient and provider are separated by distance (Shi Singh, 2012). Telehealth is a wide-ranging concept, which includes telemedicine as educational, administrative, and research use, and also in clinical application that involves caregivers, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc. (Field and Grigsby, 2002). There are two sub-categories of telemedicine; synchronous telemedicine and asynchronous telemedicine. In synchronous telemedicine, it allows real-time telecommunication, such as video conferencing in between patient and provider. It allows health care providers to examine and interview the patients. In asynchronous telemedicine, it stores and forward technology that allows flexibility because the user can review the information later (Maheu, Whitten, Allen, 2001). For example; teleradiology (Transmission of radiological images), telepathology (Observation of tissue specimen via video microscopy), and telesurgery (using and controlling robots to perform surgery from a distance (Shi Singh, 2012). Innovative applications are under process in the telemonitoring patients receiving home health care. Vital signs can be monitored using video technology in a cost effective manner (Johnston, Weeler, Deuser, Sousa, 2000). The Veteran Health Administration has confirmed the importance of telehealth in mental health services and delivering psychotherapy for some of the psychiatric conditions (Gros, Aciemo, Ruggiero, Frueh, Grubaugh, Egede, 2010). In rural area, they face many challenges in order to get the quality health care in a cost-effective way. Some of the barriers play huge role in the ineffective health care services in rural areas, such as shortage of providers, long distances, isolation at social and physical level, etc., which can be overcome by using telehealth services (Shi Singh, 2012). Telehealth improves the quality of care at low costs by providing access to rural areas. World has changed to a very busy, technology dependent, and information gathering society. Everyone wants everything immediately. This instantaneous expectation is motivating the growing uses of telehealth technology in health care system. Telehealth have increased popularity over time and improve quality of care by f acilitating patients to take readings and measurements (vital sings) in the comfort of their own home, where they feel the most comfortable (Lee, Helal, Anton, Deugd, Smith, 2012; Williams Wilkins, 2011). Telehealth,  or the delivery of health-related services using telecommunications by a healthcare provider to patients that are some distance from the provider, is a cost-effective method that could provide health services in a home settings (Lee, Helal, Anton, Deugd, Smith, 2012; Blinkhorn, 2012). It keeps the comforts of home as the quality care is provided where the patient wants to stay. It is one on one care, in which the patients are provided with 100% attention and quality care. It is very much affordable as compared to other health care services’ cost. Patients are treated and getting cure at their house; in a very comfortable environment where they love spending time. This home environment helps them recover soon, and it is easy and fast for them to feel comfortable and independent. Telehealth reduces patient’s hospital visit or admission costs and ultimately save a large amount of health care costs. Telecommunications changes the delivery of health care by providing easier access between patients and doctors. The telehealth in home health care services not only provide the best quality care within a home environment, but also gives peace of mind to patient’s family in their busy lifestyle. Telehealth in home health care, not only gives more years to add in patient’s life, but it provides â€Å"Life to years† (Lee, Helal, Anton, Deugd, Smith, 2012). As the world evolves, there will be ways to put up with the world we live in. Everything seems to be transforming into technological communicating rather than in person or face-to-face communication. In short, telehealth has brought many positive changes in the health care delivery system in terms of quality of care, quality of life, health care costs, and access. Application of telehealth in 1st home health care, Inc. can improve the quality care, save hospitalization costs, better regulator of vital signs of patients, and it improves productivities of patients, health care providers, and health care costs (Blinkhorn, 2012). New technology like telehealth always raises social, ethical, and economical apprehensions. Health care budget with maintaining the standard of quality care is the main concern in the Unites States. From an economic point of view, telehealth technology requires human and nonhuman contribution for the production, operation, training, and management of health care services. Telehealth technology raise question like, is telehealth worth spending the amount it needs? Majority of the home health care receivers are covered  under Medicare and Medicaid program in the 1st Home Health Care, Inc. The concern is regarding putting pressure on government for the fund from such programs, after application of telehealth in 1st Home Health Care, Inc. (Shi Singh, 2012). From the socio-economic point of view, telehealth benefits patients, health care providers, and health care system. Telehealth in home health care benefits patients in terms of increased access to health care, better quality of care, better quality of life, and cost-effectiveness (Jennett, Affleck Hall, Hailey, Ohinmaa, Anderson, Thomas, Young, Lorenzetti, Scott, 2003). The social, ethical, and economic viewpoints of society affect the application of telehealth in home health care. Conclusion Patients with chronic diseases would rather be in their home than in hospitals and nursing homes, and this is true for especially elderly patients who want to be in their homes. Recent advances in information and communication technology have made telehealth in home health care both realistic and reasonable. Many factors affect the use of telehealth technology in health care system, such as; beliefs and values, financing, socio-economic views, etc. Telehealth technology provides quality of care to elderly patients and patients with chronic conditions, in their home settings in an affordable way. Telehealth has had an incredible impact on the health care delivery system. It has positively influenced the quality of care, improved the quality of life, and advance access in a cost-effective manner (Burgiss Dimmick, 2003). Application of telehealth in 1st Home Health Care, Inc. can be beneficial to the patients and providers. References 1st Home Health Care, Inc.: Quality care provider. (2012). Services. Retrieved from http://www.1sthomehealthcare.com/services Blinkhorn, T. M. (2012). Telehealth in nephrology health care: a review. Renal Society of Australasia Journal, 8(3), 132-139. Burgiss, S., Dimmick, S. L. (2003). Telehealth in home health care. Care Management Journals, 4(2), 110-116. DeVore, S. (2014). The changing health care world: Trend to watch in 2014. Retrieved from http://healthaffairs.org/blog/2014/02/10/the-changing-health-care-world-trends-to-watch-in-2014/ Field, M. J., Grigsby, J. (2002). Telemedicine and

America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience by Robert

America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience by Robert H. Zieger In the book, America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience, Robert H. Zieger discusses the events between 1914 through 1920 forever defined the United States in the Twentieth Century. When conflict broke out in Europe in 1914, the President, Woodrow Wilson, along with the American people wished to remain neutral. In the beginning of the Twentieth Century United States politics was still based on the â€Å"isolationism† ideals of the previous century. The United States did not wish to be involved in European politics or world matters. The U.S. goal was to expand trade and commerce throughout the world and protect the borders of North America. The American belief at the beginning of the war was that it would be short conflict reminiscent of the fight between Germany and France in 1870(Zieger, 9). At the time both the Allies and the Central Powers, along with Americans, miscalculated the impact the involvement of American forces could have for either side. The U.S. Navy was expanded and upgraded during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt but the Army was still a minimal force. To keep with the â€Å"true neutrality† the United States initially refused to aid either side with supplies or economic assistance. Once the battles became entrenched and a â€Å"war of attrition† began, the European nations continued to look toward the United States for aid. As American financial institutions and exporters sought guidance from Wilson’s administration they received a different answer: â€Å"short term loans and credits by American financial institutions to belligerents in connection with trade were acceptable† (Zieger, 11). Americans could not over look the potential economic boost that could be achieved by supplying the European nations with food, supplies and weapons orders being requested. Both sides accepted the United States’ aid but they also sought to cut-off each other’s supply chain. While the Allies barricaded Germany’s ports with the British Navy, Germany began attacking merchant ships using their submarines, or U-boats. While Wilson was angered by the British tactics he was even more infuriated by the German’s. This would be the ultimate end of U.S. neutrality as Wilson would sternly address Germany’s actions and not Britain’s. In 1915 a German U-boat sank a Brit... ... to be President afterwards. His unwillingness to compromise with the Senate caused the Treaty of Versailles along with the League of Nations never to be ratified by the United States. The notion of the League of Nations that won Wilson a Noble Peace Prize in 1920 was never joined his own country. After the election of 1920 America would return to its isolationism roots and watch as the nations of Europe headed down a path for another world war. As Americans watched Communism rise in Russia they questioned for the first time the patronage of their fellow Americans. Economic and social reforms that started up during the war were set to a status-quo mentality. The actions set forward from the Treaty of Versailles and stance the U.S. Congress took on the League of Nations would eventually lead the world in the worst depression ever and ultimately to a second world war in a mere twenty years. Works Cited: Zieger, Robert H. (2000). America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc. Davidson, J. (Ed.). (2002). Nation of nations: A concise narrative of the American republic. (3rd ed., Vol. 2). New York: McGraw-Hill

European Tour Operators Essay

Introduction: The macro-environment looks at broad trends shaping the national and international environment. An analysis of the macro environment is crucial in determining the factors which have a direct impact and/or might influence the strategic direction of an organisation. The macro-environment is difficult for organisations to influence and changes can be far-reaching. The media is usually rich source of both information and speculation and as such cannot be a reliable source of reference. There are available tools for analysing the macro-environment in an attempt to identify those factors, which might have an impact upon the organisation, both in terms of being a threat or an opportunity and these include: * The PESTEL framework * Key drivers * Scenarios The PESTEL framework: categorises environmental influences into six main types: * Political * Economic * Social * Technological * Environmental * Legal The PESTEL analysis evaluates the broad societal trends that affect many industries. It identifies current and future developments that will shape the micro-environments of each industry sector. Key drivers for change: are environmental factors that are likely to have a high impact on the success or failure of a business strategy. Scenarios: are detailed and plausible views of how the business environment of an organisation might develop in the future based on key drivers for change about which there is a high level of uncertainty. Question 1: Key drivers of change Using the PESTEL framework, which helps us understand the key drivers of change and external influences on the organization, we can identify the underlying forces in the macro-environment driving the competitive forces as follows; 1.1) POLITICAL: Terrorist attacks that resulted in tight security measures and strict immigration laws. Following these attacks many countries put some destination off-limits, travel insurers would refuse to cover tourists if they went there despite the government ban or warnings against such travels. Tourism also suffered when prolonged tourist abductions began to affect tourist perceptions. 1.2) ECONOMICAL: the economic crisis can positively and negatively impact tourism industry. Economic crisis became the major threat which results in the collapse of some major players in the industry, for example the closing down of ‘XL Leisure Group’. Given that the UNWTO’s Tourism 2020 Vision had forecast that international arrivals are expected to reach nearly 1.6 billion by the year 2020; this implied that more opportunities and more competition was to be expected in the coming years. Hence the assertion that recession can have positive impacts. It therefore was an opportunity for the survivors as they get more market space and more consumers to absorb in. Moreover, a post-recession boom could be expected and taking into consideration that tourism contributes 10.6% of world GDP they always get their stake from the disposable income. 1.3) TECHNOLOGICAL: Customers relying on internet and online sales were increasing. Statistics show a mere 72% of UK households had access to internet in 2008 and is increasing compared to previous years. Even though online sales make it easier for customers and cut costs by reducing staff and intermediaries, it also possesses a threat to companies. Internet has a low barrier for entry (Porter, 2001) and newcomers can easily pop into the competition. Question 2: Porter’s analysis structure: Michael Porter (HBR, 1989) says awareness of the five forces â€Å"can help a company understand the structure of its industry and stake out a position that is more profitable and less vulnerable to attack†. Five force framework helps identifies the sources of competition in the industry (Johnson et al., 2005). Five forces which are not independent of  each other, draws a connection between competitive forces and the key drivers in the macro-environment. The forces reveal the most significant aspects of the competitive environment. They also provide a baseline for sizing up a company’s strengths and weaknesses: Where does the company stand versus buyers, suppliers, entrants, rivals, and substitutes? Most importantly, an understanding of industry structure guides managers toward fruitful possibilities for strategic action, which may include any or all of the following: positioning the company to better cope with the current competitive forces; anticipating and exploiting shifts in the forces; and shaping the balance of forces to create a new industry structure that is more favourable to the company. The best strategies exploit more than one of these possibilities. 2.1Competitive rivalry: There is a moderate competitive rivalry in the industry. High fixed cost largely favours the incumbents. And there is a significant 5% difference in market share between the top two market leaders (TUI 18.6% and Thomas Cook 13.9% in 2008). These huge variations of market shares of incumbents lessen the competition in the industry. 2.2The threats of substitutes: Even though TV, games or other social activities can act as substitutes, they will never be same as travelling. Moreover, there is a low differentiation of products and together there is low threat of substitutes. 2.3 The bargaining power of buyers: There is a low switching cost to buyers with the emergence of internet and online sales. But the low differentiation of products and lesser number of substitutes limits the bargaining power of buyers to low. 2.4The bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers have high negotiation powers against the companies having a low share in the market. But in a market where the top 5 market leaders covering more than 43.1% of market and possessing a threat of backward integration, there will be a power balance.  This implies only a moderate bargaining power for the suppliers. 2.5The threats of new entrants: High Capital Requirement creates a high barrier of entry for newcomers. And more than 70 % of market share is controlled by the top leaders and this reduces the price retaliation and keeps the economies of scale high. Brand Recognition also acts as a barrier to new entrants. Hence, the threat of new entrants is low. 3. Five forces and the future Porter (1987) said a company can maintain its leadership in the market only by establishing a difference that it can preserve and by keeping its structure attractive. TUI is the leading company in the concentrated market of tour operators in Europe with a staggering 21% of the market share. TUI operates in over 180 countries worldwide serving more than 30 million customers offering a wide range of leisure travel experiences. They also operate around 240 hotels of which majority are in the 4- or 5- star category. The strengths of TUI will help them to maintain their leadership in the tourism industry. Backward Vertical Integration of TUI helped them to spread out through the value chain. This made them deliver a higher value when compared to their competitors at a cheaper price. Being their own suppliers (Airlines, Hotels etc.) helped them to attain cost leadership. Their investments on direct distribution channels act as a key driver reducing the distribution cost and increasing the margin. Their multi-channel distribution focusing on online sales made them capable of retaining their customers and gaining new customers. Stable and management friendly shareholders supported them to incorporate better customer service along with their excellent operating service, and thus extend their presence in the value chain. Moreover, TUI had better liquidity and financial situation following the sale of Hapag-Lloyd. The acquisition of companies varying from tourism, airlines, hotels, cruises etc. all over the world help them attains differentiation. They claim their differentiated products are integral part of their customer retention, brand building and uniqueness and thus gained them the competitive advantage in the market (Annual Report, 2008).TUI always seek to create value for their customers, investors and employees. As the number of short-haul travels increases, TUI will gain from concentrating a bit more on supporting this (can enter in road transportation facilities). Alike other leaders in tourism industry, TUI will also have to tackle their consolidated fixed assets. The level of success achieved by TUI holds some important lessons and some much needed inspiration to a business world; that could use a little of both. However; according to the World Market Travel Industry Report (2010) the travel and tourism industry fear the long-term impact the global downturn will have on the industry, believing it will struggle to return to pre-downturn demand levels and profitability until 2016. More than half of the industry (52%) believes the global downturn’s impact on tourism demand is one of biggest issues facing the industry over the next five years. Furthermore, 49% felt the downturn’s impact on price, profit and margins is a big issue over the next five years – the two biggest percentage responses to the question: What is the biggest single issue facing your business over the next five years? When asked what is the single biggest issue facing their business over the next five years the global downturn’s impact on demand for tourism is cited by more than three out of ten people (31%), while the downturn’s impact on price, profit and margins is cited by a quarter – again the two biggest percentage responses to the question. REFERENCES: 1. Annual Report. (2008). TUI Annual Report. TUI AG. 2. Johnson G and Scholes K (2010) Exploring Corporate Strategy (9th ed). London: Prentice Hall. World 3. Porter, M. E. (1980). How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy. The McKinsey Quarterly ,34-50. 4. Porter, M. E. (2001). Strategy and the Internet. Harvard Business Review, 63-79. 5. Porter, M. (1987). From Competitive Advantage to Corporate Strategy. Harvard Business Review, 43-59 6. TUI website. (n.d.).Retrieved November 6, 2009, from http://www.tui-group.comTUI Case Study UNWTO. (2005). Tourism 2020 vision. Retrieved October 31, 2009, from World Tourism Organisation: http://www.unwto.org/facts/eng/vision.htm

The Indian Culture Essay examples - 1390 Words

A culture where guests are treated as gods, family members live under the same household until death, and have the belief that gods and spirits play the significant role in determining their life all refer to the same topic, the Indian culture; a rich and diverse culture which is very unique in many ways. This culture includes the qualities of various other cultures and it results into a modern and acceptable tradition. Respecting elders, honouring heroes, cherishing love, and following traditions make up the major components of the Indian culture and its followers. Many people believe that this particular culture has a great impact on their everyday lives and are proud to be included in the significant customs. In the novel, Clear Light†¦show more content†¦When her parents died, they left her with a burden of responsibilities that involved raising the children and taking on the role of a mother. Bim is left to take care of her smallest and mentally challenged brother, Bab a. When Baba was younger, the parents would constantly go to clubs and out for drinks, leaving the responsibility of raising the unfortunate child to Bim. The two siblings established a special bond with each other and trusted each other more and more each day. When the second oldest child, Raja fell ill because of tuberculosis, Bim was accountable of helping him regain back his normal health. Upon these responsibilities was a very important one, Bim had to earn money for the family and she knew that it involved educating herself to become a teacher, a job that was seemed appropriate for women. â€Å"For all father cared, I could have grown up illiterate and cooked for my living, or swept. So I had to teach myself history, and teach myself to teach. (155) Since men of the house are the providers to the family, their death can have a huge impact on the family. This terrible incident challenged Bim and the rest of the family members to live their life without coming to a point of bankruptcy. Bim’s responsibility increased when her sister, Tara married and moved out of the house, leaving Bim with the burden of taking care of her brothers’ needs, daily chores, and paying for the rents and groceries. Responsibility can affect us and our livesShow MoreRelatedCultural Appropriation : A Celebration Of Indian Culture950 Words   |  4 Pagestaking an aspect of someone’s culture of which you are not a part of, and using it in your own way. Cultural appropriation can either be a cultural celebration, or it can cause â€Å"profound offense†¦ (to) a person’s core values and sense of self.† There is a distinction between celebrating another culture and offensively appropriating it. In this essay, I will us e two music videos to make this distinction. The first video, â€Å"Bounce,† is a gross mutilation of Indian culture, while Chris Martin’s appearanceRead MoreIndian And African Culture : Indian Culture931 Words   |  4 Pages Indian and African culture both possess creation myths in their cultural background. Indian and African creation myths are world-different, in that they rely on completely different stories of how the universe and the Earth were created. However, a common trait shared among the two cultural creation myths is that of a divine creator, or set of creators. In the Indian culture, and that’s India, not native American indians, the Vedic religion tells the story of the creation myth of Rig Veda. BrownRead MoreIndian Culture979 Words   |  4 PagesIndian Culture Abstract India is located in continent Asia. It is Federal republic government. Its official language is Hindi and there are 14 other languages e.g. Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu and Punjabi. The major religion that is follow by majority of people is Hinduism. In India people speaks different languages, dress differently, follow different religions, eat different food but they all have the same nature. WhetherRead MoreIndian Culture1630 Words   |  7 Pagessuggested that the Indian population is very receptive to product placement. This is because India is a country with a large population where going to cinemas is a very popular trend. It was also found that Indians have a high collectivist culture, where individuals work as a part of the group and commit to the need of the society before their own (Nelson et al., 2006). Due to this reason, individuals usually face difficulty in setting themselves apart from other people. Indians are furthermore categorizedRead MoreKathak And Indi an Culture And Culture1296 Words   |  6 Pages Cultures around the world express themselves in a variety of forms, and some are more well-known then others. It can take the form of both music and dance, and Indian culture in particular is very popular around the world, especially concerning their types of dance. One dance style is called kathak, and it is performed in several countries. Kathak is especially important for Indian culture because it is also a way for the Indian diaspora to connect with their culture and associate with it. As aRead MoreWestern Culture And Indian Culture1604 Words   |  7 Pages Our global world is full of dominant cultures that infiltrate their ascendancy into many of the world’s countries in a conscious and subconscious manner. An example of this cultural dominance can be seen in the bidirectional influence that Western Culture and the Indian culture portray onto one another. The cultures of the Western world and India in particular are ali ke one another on the basis that they are both economically established and are full of vibrant social societies. There is an idealizedRead MoreWestern Culture And Indian Culture983 Words   |  4 PagesCulture is the characteristics and knowledge of people, the way of life, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. Every country has its own culture and traditions. I belong to India which is famous for Hindu culture. In this culture there are many different gods worshiped by different caste and tribe in India. But the most common is Lord Shiva. There are major differences between Western and Indian culture in ideology. As Western culture is open mindedRead MoreThe Indians And European Cultures1153 Words   |  5 PagesIn the Indians and European cultures, they both faced a certain backlash when it came to being able to live with each other. For example, the Indians would offer an education in the way of living in New England, but Massachusetts and Connecticut would make sure that the people that lived over there would stay over there because they did not want the settlers to move over there. In contrast, they both could have a cultural crossing successfully. For example, Europeans men lived with Indian women andRead MoreEssay on Indian Culture1467 Words   |  6 Pagesuniversal beliefs of Brahman, â€Å"in the Trimurti system, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the maintainer or preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer or transformer†.18 Caste System. In Ancient India and today’s Indian rural area, the caste system plays a major part in the culture. This social structure has been in practice for years, which was to keep society from chaos. There are five levels of hierarchic system, which are Brahman, Kashtriya, Vaishya, Shuda, and Harijans. The caste systems wereRead MoreThe Indian Culture Essay1022 Words   |  5 PagesThe Indian Culture The Indian Culture is a very interesting culture they have a lot of different ways of living, family relationships, foods, dress, and entertainment. One of the great themes pervading Indian life is social interdependence. People are born into groups–families, clans, subcastes, castes, and religious communities–and live with a constant sense of being part of and inseparable from these groups. Social interaction is regarded as being of the highest priority in Indian families