The US sees a rise in avoidable deaths, despite spending more on healthcare than any other high-income nation, while other countries experience a decline.
Avoidable Deaths on the Rise in the US
The number of deaths that didn’t have to happen has risen over time in the ‘United States’ , with an average increase of 33 per 100,000 people from 2009 to 2019. This trend contrasts with other countries, including European Union nations and members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which experienced a decrease in avoidable deaths during the same period.
The United States has experienced fluctuations in mortality rates over the years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), life expectancy at birth decreased from 78.7 years in 2014 to 77.8 years in 2019.
The top causes of death in the US include heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19.
In 2020, COVID-19 became the third leading cause of death, accounting for over 345,000 deaths.
Mortality rates vary by age, sex, and ethnicity, with certain groups experiencing higher mortality rates than others.
A Metric of Health System Performance
Avoidable mortality is a key metric used to assess how well health systems are functioning. It measures the annual number of deaths among individuals under 75 years old that, with timely healthcare, wouldn’t have occurred. This includes both preventable and treatable deaths, such as those from vaccine-preventable diseases and traffic collisions, as well as deaths from conditions like sepsis or appendicitis that may be avoidable with proper medical care.
Health systems performance refers to the ability of a healthcare system to deliver quality services efficiently and effectively.
Key indicators include patient satisfaction, waiting times, disease management, and healthcare outcomes.
Research suggests that well-performing health systems have improved population health, reduced mortality rates, and increased life expectancy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high-performing health systems prioritize primary care, invest in healthcare infrastructure, and promote collaborative governance.
Variations Across US States
The average rate of avoidable deaths for individual ‘US’ states varied significantly. While some states, such as ‘New York’ , saw an increase of just 5 per 100,000 people, others, like ‘West Virginia’ , experienced a jump of 100 per 100,000 people. The study did not examine the specific factors driving these variations but noted that state-level public health policies, including Medicaid expansion, abortion restrictions, and gun control measures, have diverged over time.
A Nation with High Healthcare Spending
Despite spending more on healthcare than any other high-income nation, the ‘United States’ has seen a rise in avoidable deaths. This trend is concerning, as it suggests that the country’s health system may not be performing optimally. The researchers’ findings highlight the need for a closer examination of the factors contributing to this increase and potential strategies for improvement.
Conclusion
The rising number of avoidable deaths in the ‘US’ has significant implications for public health and healthcare policy. As the nation continues to grapple with issues like climate change, social inequality, and access to care, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based solutions that promote better health outcomes and reduce unnecessary mortality.
Public health policy refers to the set of laws, regulations, and guidelines that aim to protect and promote the health of a population.
These policies are typically developed by government agencies and healthcare organizations in response to emerging health issues or trends.
They may address topics such as disease prevention, health education, environmental health, and access to healthcare services.
Effective public health policy relies on evidence-based research, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with various sectors, including healthcare, education, and community organizations.
- sciencenews.org | Avoidable deaths increased in the U.S. as they dropped elsewhere
