An equation of health: Role of transparency and opacity in developing healthcare efficacy measures and metrics
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to present an equation of health to allow measurement and more precise comparison of what is more or less effective in promoting health or managing ill health. It builds upon and extends a prior report (JMD, Volume 25 Number 10, 2006, pp. 981‐995).
Design/methodology/approach
Applying basic scientific methods and empiric observations, the equation proposed in this article is a state of the current science. Such an equation allows for more systematic and predictive comparison of health initiatives.
Findings
The pace of scientific progress is outstripping our institutional adaptive response mechanisms. An approach to the causes of ill health appears more promising than re‐configuration of current disease reactive, symptom treatment care. This paper starts from first principles and builds a model that results in an equation of health.
Research limitations/implications
Refinement of the model and replication by others are needed to fully determine the predictive value of this approach.
Practical implications
The opportunity to reduce costs while also reducing adverse events, healthcare morbidity and morality.
Originality/value
This article calls attention to areas of opportunity to fund out of savings the transition from our current “sick care” system to a health promotion/proactive prevention approach to caring.
Keywords
Citation
Jaffe, R., Nash, R.A., Ash, R., Schwartz, N., Corish, R., Born, T. and Lazarus, H. (2007), "An equation of health: Role of transparency and opacity in developing healthcare efficacy measures and metrics", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 441-458. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710710748275
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited