Stafford Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stafford Act - Essay Example However, despite the act having very clear stipulations on the process of emergency declaration, types of assistance on disaster available and means of dispatching and coordinating the assistance, critics have pointed out over a number of weaknesses of the Act as it is. The shortcomings pointed out over the act therefore necessitate a thorough reform on the Stafford Act in order to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness is guaranteed. Thesis statement: A complete reformation of the Act is not only important but also argent as the Stafford Act lacks flexibility and is slow to provide cash quickly in the event of disaster which is declared an emergency. Major shortcomings of the Act as it is are observed right from the procedures that are to be followed in declaration of an emergency as a disaster by the governor and the president to the ultimate response through financial and physical support as deemed necessary. The main weakness observed by this paper is on the lack of flexibility and quick response as is caused by lots of bureaucracy while establishing the magnitude of the effect of the disaster by the local authorities and having the governor request for assistance from the president through writing which must also pass through such offices as the office of regional director. In spite of the fact that procedures of intergovernmental coordination are highly bureaucratic, the act fails to acknowledge that in the event of an emergency, prompt response is critical and as such establishes less bureaucratic procedure through which state governments should involve the federal government n prompt response to emergencies resultant from a disaster. Much of time is spent while a governor evaluates and estimates the magnitude of the effect of a disaster in terms of costs to be incurred in mitigating the effects, evaluating the localized impacts, evaluating coverage by insurance policies in place, processes of hazard mitigation as well as

The Impact of Technology in the Delivery of Healthcare Research Paper

The Impact of Technology in the Delivery of Healthcare - Research Paper Example Thus in 1998, The Committee on the Quality of Health Care in America, or CQHCA was established in order to develop plans to create substantial improvement in healthcare quality (IOM, 2001). A report released by the OIM contained the findings and recommendations of the committee, and it was mentioned that the committee gave emphasis on the support of meticulously and well-thought of designs in making the health care delivery system a lot more safer, much more effective, as well as being patient-centered, suitable to the patients’ needs, reasonable and competent (IOM, 2001). Both of the IOM reports showed how medicine and innovation can work together for better results, and it can be accomplished by the use of information technology. Using information technology as the means to implement changes in the health care industry means that the system would be upgraded to give better and more reliable results for both patients and health personnel (IOM, 2001). The main goals that were set by the CQHCA that utilize information technology were developed to address the following aspects of the health industry: Safety – there are evidences showing that automated order entry system can bring down the number of errors in drug prescription and dosage administration. Effectiveness – there are evidences showing automated reminder system improves the compliance rate with clinical protocols and guidelines. Patient-centered – information technology can be used to facilitate access to clinical information through Web sites and online support groups: and tailor fit health education as well as disease management information. Timely – IT can provide clinicians and patients timely information through Internet-based communication such as telemedicine and e-visits. Efficiency – clinical decision support system made possible by IT reduces the need for redundant laboratory tests. Equity – provision of broader range of options for interaction through Internet-based communication with clinicians to all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, geographical location, and socio-economic status. Electronic Health Records through Information Technology Electronic health record (EHR) is a system that is composed of electronic devices, computer programs, active users such as medical personnel and providers, support mechanisms, and other enhancements that not only document care, but also improves its provision (Amatayakul & Lazarus, 2005). It is a collection of health information of individual patients or of groups of people or a population that can be retrieved electronically from a closed system of programs. It may include the patient’s personal data such as age, weight, medical history, laboratory tests, and billing information. Overall, EHR is a clinician’s tool that manages various areas of patient care (Carter 2001). The most common computer systems and their functions in order to make electronic health records as efficient as possible are shown in table 1.