By Healthcare Brew Staff
less than 3 min read
Definition:
A health system is made up of various hospitals, facilities, and physician groups that work together to allocate resources to prevent and treat disease and injury.
What are the pillars of a health system?
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are four pillars that make up a health system.
- Information, surveillance, and research: This encompasses the areas of a health system that use data and research to develop treatments and improve knowledge of diseases and injuries.
- Health services management: These systems ensure patients receive quality care and are integral to a health system, especially in making sure patients receive equal treatment regardless of their income status.
- Human resources: In terms of staffing, this is one of the most essential elements that keep a health system running smoothly—after all, a facility is only as good as the workers it employs.
- Financing: Particularly in areas with lower-income residents, having sufficient funding can greatly impact how care is delivered and its quality.
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