This book is a collaborative effort among three faculty members from the Darton College of Health Professions, Nursing Department, at Albany State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and part of the University System of Georgia.
The book idea originated from a grant-funded program to create open education resources (OER) for students learning in UniversitySystem of Georgia’s eMajor courses. The cost of education in the United States is remarkably expensive, and the added burden of purchasing textbooks for each course can be prohibitive. The opportunity to create free educational materials has been a rewarding experience. A free pdf form of this text is available for download.
The authors of this book are registered nurses who have each worked 25 or more years in various roles and specialties within our healthcare system. There have been many changes throughout the years. The authors’ experience and knowledge are from a nursing perspective not found in other texts of similar content. The healthcare system has advanced tremendously since the very beginning of our formalized system. The most significant growth has been in technology use to support, diagnose, increase patient safety, and document patient outcomes. However, more can be done to ensure a system that meets all our citizens’ healthcare needs.
Type of Material:
Open (Access) Textbook
Recommended Uses:
Course textbook in healthcare class
In class discussion/lecture or homework
Reference textbook
Technical Requirements:
Internet Access
Web Browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Readers of this text will learn a brief history of our healthcare system and explore the current state of health in the U.S. In the 12 chapters, readers will:
• consider health as defined using determinants of health
• discover the many types of healthcare providers seen throughout the system
• differentiate between the different types of healthcare settings
• explore state and federal programs that provide oversight• examine private insurance and managed care plans
• survey access issues and the cost of healthcare
• review how the state and federal government provides support to special populations
• discover the quick expansion of technology use in healthcare
• assess quality determinants and accreditation standards
• compare national healthcare systems presently used to the present U.S.healthcare system
• identify the advantages of a national healthcare system for the United States
Target Student Population:
College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The concepts and content are well organized and provide an excellent historical and current overview of healthcare in the US.
The quality of the content is well designed, with reading supplemented by graphs.
The content provides patient stories.
A set of references is listed at the end of each chapter.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
There is a set of objectives and key terms identified for each chapter that aligns to interspersed pause/reflect questions
Review questions are found at the end of the chapter. The questions promote learning and conceptual understanding.
Concerns:
More activities within the chapters would improve the book; otherwise, it is outstanding!
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is in good working order and software is easy to navigate.
There is a clear and consistent layout throughout the text.
Google PDF document
Creative Commons:
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