Health services are all the actions that people take to protect and improve their health, prevent diseases from spreading, treat or ameliorate illness, injury and disability. They are provided by professionals trained in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, midwifery, nursing, optometry, physiotherapy, psychology and other allied health fields. The quality and availability of health services depend on several factors, including the resources and capabilities of the health care system, the financial capacity of the health sector and the social and economic status of people.
The field of health services research is multidisciplinary, and it encompasses the study of access to and use of healthcare, as well as its costs, quality, delivery, organization and outcomes for individuals and populations. Its main goal is to generate new knowledge about the structure, processes and effects of health services. Its development owes to the work of a number of scholars who have defined the discipline in different ways over the years (Flook and Sanazaro, 1973; IOM, 1979, 1991; Steinwachs, 1991).
Health care, or healthcare, is the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration and prevention of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in humans. It is delivered by health professions and allied fields, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, midwifery, biology, nutrition, nursing, optometry, physiotherapy and social work.
The health services industry is a massive global enterprise that includes hospital facilities, physician offices and other specialized health care sites. It is a large component of the economy, employing millions of people around the world. However, it is not without its problems. One of the most significant is the worldwide shortage of healthcare workers, which has been identified as a major obstacle to providing quality medical care.
Some people fail to get recommended health services, such as cancer screenings, because they do not have a regular source of care. Other times, the cost of health care makes it inaccessible to lower-income families. Interventions to increase the availability of health services, especially in socially deprived areas, can improve outcomes for many patients.
Some professionals in the health services industry seek to advance their career by returning to school for a higher degree, earning certification and/or licensure or taking continuing education courses. Others choose to move into management or highly specialized roles. Professionals should discuss advancement options with their current employers or academic counselors to find the right path for them. There are also a variety of online resources available for professionals in the healthcare services industry. These include free open courseware and links to professional organizations. Some colleges offer a range of concentrations in the field. Some have graduate programs that teach advanced skills that can help professionals gain a competitive edge in the job market. A master’s degree usually takes about two years to complete. There are also a variety of certificate programs that offer less intensive training in specific areas. These can be useful for new professionals entering the field or for experienced professionals seeking to learn new technology or practices.