Improving Your Critical Thinking Writing

The importance of critical thinking in academic work can hardly be overestimated. On the one hand, assignments on critical thinking constitute a considerable part of any curriculum. On the other hand, even when an assignment does not belong to this category, you are still expected to exercise your critical thinking abilities to successfully analyze information sources, make correct assumptions, take informed decisions and efficiently work with information. It means that improving your critical thinking will have a much broader use than you might think. What Is Critical Thinking? Thinking about the subject matter critically means perceiving the reading material with open and enquiring mind, not accepting anything at face value, being unbiased in your judgment and drawing objective conclusions as to whether the presented points of view are persuasive and trustworthy, based on the received information. The most important features of good critical writing are as follows: refusal to accept the conclusions of the author unless they are backed by evidence, statistics or sound and logical reasoning. In other words, you doubt everything you read and consider everything that isn’t supported by facts to be false or at least unreliable; ability to clearly present the reasons why conclusions and arguments of another author or authors should be accepted or rejected. In other words, you should show the line of reasoning behind your evaluation of the written work in questions; presentation of your own arguments and conclusions that shows that your line of reasoning is feasible;/li understanding that your own conclusions, evidence and arguments have limitations. What Does It Mean to Be Thinking Critically? Successful critical thinking requires a set of skills or, rather, methods of dealing with problems. All of them are trainable, so the next time you write an essay, do your best to exercise these approaches to improve your performance in the long run: Understanding the connections between ideas, concepts, facts and statistical data. When you read or hear something, you don’t simply accept the explanations given by the author but analyze what you read or hear and try to draw your own picture, creating links between ideas and facts that the author may have omitted. Ability to evaluate the argumentation of others and build your own. By analyzing the logical soundness of arguments, you should be able to make an informed decision as to whether they are to be trusted or taken with a grain of salt. Systematic and consistent approach to problem solving. Critical thinking presupposes objective, analytical approach to dealing with problems. When you encounter an issue, you study the situation carefully, evaluate different points of view and their validity and draw a conclusion only after weighing all pros and cons. Instinct, intuition and preconceived assumptions don’t come into play at all. Ability to detect any inconsistencies and mistakes in reasoning. The author may be trying to confuse you intentionally, following his own agenda, or accidentally, through genuine errors in reasoning. Either way, you should be able to find weak spots and explain what is wrong with them. Difference between Critical and Descriptive Writing One of the main problems students experience when dealing with critical thinking writing is too vague understanding of the difference between it and descriptive writing. Many students have trouble expressing their own thoughts, their agreement or especially disagreement with the original text. That is why assignments on critical evaluation of a text all too often turn into mere descriptions. Nevertheless, every critical paper is partially descriptive – a part of a critical paper is supposed to be dedicated to setting the background for your critical evaluation. The problem is that it is all too easy to let this part bloat and eat up most of your word limit. Therefore, when engaged in critical writing you should steer yourself in the right direction using following methods: evaluate the quality of proofs and arguments used in the text; mark the most important positive and negative aspects of the writer’s reasoning you can comment upon; define if they are relevant to the debate you are going to lead in your assignment; decide what would be the best way to introduce them into your own argumentation. When you try to decide on the balance between the descriptive and the critical parts of your paper, try introducing only things that are absolutely relevant. It means that if you introduce something that you believe is relevant to your line of reasoning, you should explain to the reader why it is relevant. You may think that it is only going to unnecessarily inflate the word count, but in truth, its effects will be diametrically opposite. On the one hand, it will make you think twice before introducing any descriptions – if you can’t explain why it is relevant, perhaps it isn’t relevant at all. On the other hand, by making a point of explaining how this piece of evidence contributes to your argument, you improve the critical part of your writing on the spot. The Structure of Critical Thinking Writing Critical writing doesn’t have any clear-cut, pre-determined structure – it is very dependent on the format of your particular assignment, its size and the subject matter. However, in most cases its structure can be boiled down to a more or less stable one: Introduction. Here you point out the basics of your topic. You should present the issue, explain why it is important, in what context it exists and what its potential consequences are. The introduction should close with a fragment outlining the following paper. Analysis. Define the concepts you are going to use and the method of analysis you are about to employ. Analysis is based on the examination of evidence you have at your disposal, breaking it down into constituent elements, defining their qualities and meanings and then reconstitution of these elements into a new whole. You should reconnect proofs scattered across the subject matter in a way that would prove your point of view. Remember, however, that healthy skepticism is the basis of critical thinking – question everything and don’t use it as a stepping stone for your reasoning unless you are sure you can prove it. Considering other viewpoints. Another important aspect of critical thinking is that you should never consider any perspective to be self-evident, however obvious it may seem to you. Neither should you expect it from your readers. Be ready to study the subject matter from different viewpoints, especially the ones that wildly contradict your own. Not only can other perspectives open up new vistas for deeper analysis, but it is also possible to uncover the weaker points of your own reasoning and patch them up at an early stage. If you know about points of view different from your own, study them. If there is any literature promoting these points of view, make sure to read or at least look through it. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PsLktb7HTA Studying the contexts. Study the contexts in which the subject matter exists and single out the assumptions that are based on these contexts. Interpretation of the same text may differ greatly depending on cultural, religious and ideological biases, as well as your own experiences and beliefs. During this stage of your work, you are supposed to single out the influence contexts exercise over the perception of the subject matter, so that your analysis can be more objective and independent. Defining your own point of view. Expressing your own position may be either put into a separate section of the paper or spread across its entire body. In the first case, you do things part by part and prepare the foundation for your own viewpoint until that moment. In the second case, you introduce your own voice as a member of a discussion between different viewpoints whenever you discuss these conflicting perspectives. Both approaches have their pros and cons. The first one allows you to keep your entire line of reasoning tightly in one place. The second one allows for a more dynamic debate between different points of view. Conclusion. Just like in any other type of academic writing, you should recount what you’ve found out in the course of your work and point out the importance of the results of your research. Bring all the groundwork you’ve done to a logical conclusion and accentuate the importance of your work. If it is appropriate and applicable, you may provide a short outline of further possible study on the subject. A Simple Algorithm to Set You Thinking Critically If you have trouble evaluating an idea, piece of writing or something else, try using this simple sequence of 6 questions – it will help you view every assertion in context and get a broader perspective. Who wrote it? Is the identity of the author relevant in this case? What is the position of the author? What is his relationship with the issue in question? Is he an authority on the subject? What was written? When boiled down to a minimum, what exactly was said? Did the author mention all the facts pertaining to the problem? Did he omit anything? Was what he said presented as a fact or an opinion? Where was it written? What is the source of the subject matter (book, speech, article, etc.)? What is its intended audience? When was it written? Is the time of writing relevant? Was the item written before, after or during an important event? Why was it written? What are the writer’s declared purposes? May he/she have another, hidden agenda? Does he/she try to make the situation (concept, idea, person) look in a certain light? How was it written? Does the author’s language, intonation, choice of words feel affected, emotional, sarcastic, angry or colored in any other way? Was it written in an obscure or cryptic manner? Was this way of writing intentional or not? Source: http://www.knowledgereform.com/ Following these simple steps you will be able to start putting the subject matter apart and notice previously unseen connections between ideas, circumstances and the personality of the author. Academic Voice for Critical Thinking Writing Finding an academic voice that would be your own while possessing a certain predetermined set of qualities is probably more important in critical thinking writing than in any other line of academic work. The problem is, this kind of work requires careful balance – it is all too easy to overdo things and pass as bitterly cynical rather than healthily skeptical, for example. Be skeptical but not cynical. There is a difference between refusing to accept any judgment at face value and gleefully looking for (and finding) ulterior motives in any assertion made by the author. Back up your point of view. When you express an opinion, make sure to back it with facts, evidence and logical reasoning. Your professor is not so much interested in your opinion as in how exactly you’ve reached your conclusions. Be confident but not impertinent. Opposing and taking apart someone else’s opinions and reasoning requires assertiveness, but make sure you do it in a polite and respectful manner. Be unbiased. When you analyze someone else’s writing, be sure to evaluate both its weak and strong points fairly. It doesn’t matter whether you agree with what is said or not, like the author or not, want to disprove what is said or not. Be fair and don’t omit relevant information to make your own reasoning or that of the author look in a more or less favorable light. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBPseiuLI8o Try to Imagine Yourself in Your Reader’s Shoes Try to imagine what it would be like for a stranger who doesn’t share your viewpoint to read your paper. Why should he/she believe you? Read your own writing just as critically as you read that of others. It can help you find logical gaps, faulty reasoning and just plain mistakes. If possible, ask somebody else to read your paper as well, just make sure to ask for as harsh critique as possible. In the long run, our own critical thinking is only as good as it is ready to withstand the critical thinking of others.

The Effects Of Domestic Violence On Women - 1654 Words

Introduction Violence against women has been recognised internationally by the world Health Organization (WHO, 2013).Women has been facing different types of violence since the age of 15 such as physical, emotional or verbal abuse. The highest prevalence of domestic violence (DV) is from their intimate partner/perpetrator both physical emotional (WHO, 2013). It has been depicted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 2013) that rate of domestic violence against women by their intimate partner will increase in future. The main objective of this paper is to endorse awareness and educate all women who has experienced or are potential of undergoing domestic violence. This paper is significant of women in general who are victims of domestic violence by their intimate partner for those who are potential victims. The health promotion program developed will make a significant change to the victim’s life. This will also empower women’s rights prevent avoidable upcoming events. The Planning cycle To recognize the development of the program a planning cycle must be used. This planning cycle accumulate all aspects of planning into a intangible integrated process. To generate this program, the features that are included are community assessment, designing the program, developing an action plan, implement the program, process evaluation , re-design re-implement the program , impact and/outcome evaluation (TalboVerrinder,2013). This paper highlights theShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Domestic Violence On Women1652 Words   |  7 PagesDomestic violence is present in all regions of the world regardless of race, culture, or religion. It is not uncommon for men to experience spousal abuse. However, in reality abuse done by men towards women is a much more common occurrence. Men often abuse women as a result of negative domestic relationships experienced during childhood, the feeling of inadequacy and mental illness. 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Nursing Case Study The Journal of Pain

Question: Describe about the Nursing Case Study for The Journal of Pain. Answer: Introduction Mrs. Smith arrived to the ward with an IVT (Intravenous transfusion) in an IDC (indwelling catheter) in situ. After going through her past medical as well as medication history, along with her social history, the interventions has been made. A detailed analysis has been carried out regarding the diseases Mrs. Smith was diagnosed with. Nursing Interventions Safety can be provided to Mrs. Smith by making sure that her vitals are normal at all times of the day. This can be achieved by constant monitoring and any sort of discrepancy in the readings should be managed with incorporation of drugs. The drugs should be administered carefully in order to avoid any hyperactive reaction, especially during pre- and postoperative hours. Since she has previous history of falls, therefore, measures such as, use of side rails, reduced height of the bed as well as placing necessary belongings within her arms reach should prevent the chances of her falls. Hygiene and Comfort She should be placed comfortably in her bed so that she does not suffer from any sort of pain in the groin area, which is common in people with hip surgery. Pain relievers will be administered through IV to manage any sort of pain she might be facing. She will be provided with an incentive spirometer in case she is facing breathing difficulties. Cold therapy can also be given to her to relive her from pain. It needs to be made sure that Mrs. Smith does not contract MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or infect others with MRSA (Randolph, 2012). She will be placed in protected isolation so that susceptibility of infections can be avoided. She should be assured that her dog has been placed with the neighbours so that she does not get anxious worrying about it. Nutrition Mrs. Smith is not only anorexic but also she is suffering from osteoporosis. She needs to have nutritious food in order to have a faster recovery. She needs to a high protein diet. Her diet should also contain a high amount of roughage to help her deal with the problem of constipation. Mrs. Smith is also diabetic. Her diet needs to be planned in a way so that her blood sugar level does not shoot up. She should be treated to counter dehydration risk. Severe case of dehydration can lead to hypotension and low urine output. Elimination for Mrs. Smith will be a difficult part since she has chronic constipation. Post operation she will have the catheter on. She will have to be administered with drugs to allow effortless bowel movement. Her fluid intake level should be improved as well as she should be put on a high fiber diet. Activity levels will be low in case of Mrs. Smith. The surgery will prevent her from several movements. She will require help to sit, walk, and climb down the bed. She might develop bedsores due to this hence, the nurses should check for skin eruptions and color changes. The physical therapists will assist her post surgery to learn to start moving her limbs again. She will have to exercise everyday to accelerate her recovery. Psychosocial needs of Mrs. Smith are high. She is a patient of depression and she lives on her own with only her dog Rufus for company. She will be provided with assistance from in-house counselors who can relive her from the emotional stress. Being depressed can raise her blood sugar as well as blood pressure level. Hence, the nurses should try to build a rapport with her and facilitate easy conversation so that Mrs. Smith can communicate her problems to the nurses. Diagnoses as referred to in medical history: Mrs. Smith suffers from atrial fibrillation. The irregularity in heartbeat leads to this condition. External symptoms include pain in the chest, shortness of breath has also been observed in patients with AF (Washam et al., 2015). Palpitations and fainting has also been observed in several patients. Her record shows that she is under the prescription of drugs that helps her to improve her condition. The medications should in no way be stopped as she might suffer a stroke. Mrs. Smith also suffers from hypertension as well as diabetes type 2. She is a social drinker and has not smoked in 25 yrs. However, these are the stimulants, both alcohol and cigarettes, of hypertension (Lampropoulos et al., 2013). It is common in patients with diabetes to develop hypertension (Shapiro, 2013). Emotional stress might be the main culprit to her situation especially when her husband has expired and with a daughter living in Queensland who only visits her infrequently. The diabetes is the resultant of her depression. Her record does not show any medications for hypertension (Eg. Microzide etc.) (Knarr et al., 2014). She should be prescribed with some cardioinhibitory drugs to deal with the high blood sugar. Metformin helps her with her high blood sugar problem (Inzucchi et al., 2014). L CVA (Left-side Cerebrovascular Accident) is common for a patient to suffer from when they already have hypertension, diabetes as well as the condition of atrial fibrillation (Thacker et al., 2013). All these pre-existing conditions made her suffer the stroke. Care should be taken that her blood pressure is normal all the time as well as her blood glucose level. The surgery cannot be carried out if both these vitals are high or low. Mrs. Smiths lifestyle is not suggestive of her having developed GORD (Gastro Oesophagal Reflux Disease). The contents of the stomach come back to the oesophagus and causes heart burns (Sanna et al., 2013). She has been prescribed with the proton pump based inhibitor drug, Esomeprazole that relieves her from the condition. Mrs. Smith underwent a Total hysterectonomy where she had her uterus and the cervix removed surgically. It is common in women to develop heart disease as well as osteoporosis post the hysterectonomy and it is mostly due to the deficiency of the hormones (Scierbeck et al., 2012). The deficiency of hormones, namely, estrogen and progesterone, leads to cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis (Mata-Granadol et al., 2013). Estrogen is responsible for a protective action on the cardiovascular muscles. Estrogen also helps in the calcium metabolism and its deficiency post forced menopause leads to loss in bone density (Klein-Nuland et al., 2015). The urinary incontinence is also due to the hysterectonomy (Knarr et al., 2014). Her anorexic condition is also responsible for her having developed osteoporosis. The vitamin D supplements that she takes help her with her condition. Drug Therapy Insights Mrs. Smith was prescribed to 62.5 mg of digoxin. Digoxin is responsible for the improvement of heart rhythm disorder (Washam et al., 2015). The nursing implication suggests that she has atril fibrillation and digoxin helps her in dealing with it. The nursing interventions includes that she should never be in a dehydrated state. Dehydration will lead to the symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, headaches, bloody stools, uneven heart rate, which are associated with the over dosage of the drug. The physician should be notified if her pulse count is less than 60 beats per minute and the drug should not be administered in such a case. A dosage of 2 mg of Warfarin was administered to Mrs. Smith. The nursing implication suggests helping her with her condition of atrial fibrillation, warfarin has been administered. By lowering the tendency of the blood to form clots, Warfarin reduces the chances of heart attacks (Ruff et al., 2014). The nursing interventions includes that the drug should not be administered drug while a patient has diabetes. A separate anti-coagulant drug should be administered. Nurses should monitor for any signs of bleeding gums, nosebleed or black tarry stools post surgery. A dosage of 5 mg Coversyl Arginine was prescribed to Mrs. Smith. The nursing implication suggests that being an angiotension converting enzyme, it helps in widening the blood vessels and relieves the patient from hypertension (Kiru et al., 2016). The nursing interventions includes that this drug should not be given to her, as it is advisable not to have traces of the drug in the system when the patient is to be anesthetized. However, post operation, the drug should be administered on a continuous basis and it should not be stopped without any order from the physician. Vitamin D is important for the adsorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc from the stomach. The nursing implication suggests that chewable tablet is administered to Mrs. Smith to keep the vitamin levels up. Mrs. Smith suffers from osteoporosis and the vitamin D supplements helps her deal with it (Mata-Granadol et al., 2013). The nursing interventions includes that it should be discontinued before surgery as it affects the effect of anesthesia. Furthermore, the administration of the drug should also be stopped if there is any change in her blood sugar or blood pressure level as the drug has debilitating effects on diabetic patients. Metformin helps her keep her blood sugar level under control (Inzucchi et al., 2014). She is given 500 mg of the drug and it causes heartburns. However, as she will be undergoing an operation, it would be helpful to administer insulin rather than giving her an oral dosage of metformin. The nursing implication suggests that she suffers from the condition of GORD and the drug Esomeprazole relieves her from the condition. The dosage is administered in a concentration of 40 mg. As a proton pump inhibitor, the drug reduces the acid production in the stomach and alleviates the irritation and swelling of the oesophagus (Tian et al., 2013). It interacts with the drug warfarin therefore, she should be monitored for clotting factors, INR and PT. The nursing implication suggests that to deal with her depression, she was prescribed with Effexor in a concentration of 150 mg (Gartlehner et al., 2012). The nursing interventions includes that this drug should not be used as she suffers from diabetes, heart disorder. The nursing implication suggests that for osteoporosis, she is given Caltrate with a dosage of 600 mg. She runs a risk of developing kidney stones, therefore, nurses should monitor her for any anamoly in her renal function. The nursing implication suggests that to allay the effects of heartburns, she was administered with Mylanta in a dosage of 30-40 ml. It can be administered with food. It aids in dissolving the acids in the stomach (Wibowo, Saleh Sampurno, 2015). The nursing interventions includes that Mylanta should not be given with calcium supplements, angiotensin-converting enzyme based drugs and with anti coagulants. Since she is already using Caltrate for her osteoporosis and Warfarin for blood clot and Coversyl for hypertension, it should be discontinued. A separate drug should be prescribed for treating heart burns (Eg. Gelusil) (Lambert, 2013). Implications of Nursery Actions prior to surgery In order to prepare Mrs. Smith for the surgery, at first Mrs. Smiths blood-glucose level needs to be normal. Being diabetic, and for her body being under stress, there are chances that the level can be high. If the levels are not brought to normalcy then the surgery cannot be carried out. If at all the blood sugar level appears to be high, insulin shots need to be incorporated in order to get instant results. The heart beat needs to be monitored at all hours as Mrs. Smith suffers from atrial fibrillation. A pulse oximetry is used to monitor it. Being a patient of atrial fibrillation, she runs a risk of suffering a stroke. An anticoagulant shot can ease the situation and then the doctors can carry out the surgery. Smith would require undergoing an x ray to determine the extent of bone injury. It will be difficult for her to participate in autologous transfusion. However, a quick check needs to be run to identify her blood group and then arrange for the blood from the blood bank. she will require familiarizing herself with the anesthesiology staff to discuss her condition and to be briefed upon the type of anesthesia she will be undergoing. She should not consume any food or water prior to the surgery as it interferes with the anesthesia. Patients throw up under the influence of anesthesia if the stomach is full (Chestnut et al., 2014). she needs to discontinue the usage of several drugs. Usage of Mylenta suspension should be stopped. Mylenta is responsible for increasing the the side effects of anti-coagulant drugs and reducing the effectivity of anti coagulants. Her vitamin D supplements should also not be given to her as they affect the influence of anesthesia on the patient. Smith needs to be screened for MRSA. If she is detected with MRSA, it can lead to a delay in the operation. Until the condition is not treated, surgery cannot be carried out. Smith should be checked for any dental implants because it will make her susceptible to bacterial infections. In such a case, she has to be administered with antibiotics to rescue her from the condition. Pre-operative checklist should be filled with details of information such as checking the last time of consumption of fluids and solid foods. She should be showered and rinsed thoroughly to reduce chances of microbial contamination. She should be prepared to learn to use the incentive spirometer in order to avoid respiratory complications. She should also be prepared for respiratory hygiene procedures of coughing and deep breathing exercises. She should be assessed and informed regarding the surgery she is supposed to go through and the implication it will have on her. The pre-operative tests and medications should be explained to her. Interventions Post Surgery: The immediate nursing intervention that needs to be implemented post the surgery will include, first, to monitor her heartbeat. It will be natural for her to be stressed out post op upon being a patient of atrial fibrillation. She needs to be put under observation to identify symptoms leading to a stroke. If necessary, she might have to be shifted to the Intensive Care Unit. Secondly, any possible signs of blood clot should be checked for. Symptoms generally involve pain in the chest or calf. Sometimes shortness of breath as well as redness above or below the knee region has also been observed indicating blood clot. She should be provided with a pump-driven compressive device to relieve her from the condition. Thirdly, Mrs. Smith is not supposed to consume any solid food or drink water post the surgery. In order to maintain the fluid level in her body, she should be put on IV and small sips of water should be given to her to drink. Fourthly, her vital signs needs to be checked at frequent intervals to make sure that she is doing fine because any sudden elevation of her blood-glucose level or temperature or blood pressure or uneven heartbeat can lead to life threatening situations. Her surgical incision needs to be dressed to avoid pus formation due to infection. Fifthly, in order to deal with the pain, she should be put on IV-PCA (Intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia) where Mrs. Smith herself can introduce painkillers in her system as per her level of pain (Cattaneo et al., 2014). Sixthly, she is not supposed to move from her position as placed by the doctor post op. To avoid her from developing bedsores for lying down in the same position for days. Repositioning and back rubs are effective during such situations. Interventions to Implement to prepare for Transition: Firstly, Mrs. Smith will be equipped with booklets which will have graphical instructions, in details, to inform her regarding the lifestyle she should follow post the operation. Post her surgery, Mrs. Smith will be assisted by the physical therapists to help her start walking again and teach her about the positions in which she can bend her legs. She will also be assisted in teaching her to walk with the help of a walker or crutches. Secondly, she would be provided with a detailed record of her physiological condition so that the doctors at the sub acute rehab centre can be acquainted with her condition. She would be provided with a chart concerning the medications as well as specifying her diet that she is supposed to follow post the operation. Thirdly, Mrs. Smith will also be assisted by an occupational therapist who will teach her how to take a bath, how to distribute her weight while walking on a walker or while using the crutches, how to dress her incision area and how to climb the stairs. She will also be taught several exercises that will help her to get better. Exercises will be taught to her that will help her to strengthen her hip. Fourthly, she will also be taught to check her body temperature daily so that she will know about the onset of any infection. She will be taught to dress her incision in case of pus formation. By some unfortunate circumstance she lands up dislocating her hip, she will also be notified regarding the steps she needs to carry out. She will also be asked to wear a brace on her hip until she has completely recovered. Conclusion Post evaluation of the condition of Mrs. Smith, the interventions has been drawn of the steps that need to be carried out before her surgery, after her surgery and how she needs to be oriented for her transition from the hospital care to the rehab care. Her daughter needs to spend more time to her and she should seek professional help to deal with her depression. Regular exercise and proper posture for walking, standing and sitting is manadarory in order to avoid further ailments. Her recovery will definitely take time given her age and the status of her health. However, if proper care is adhered to her, she will be back on her feet in no time. References: Cattaneo, S., Somaini, M., Niebel, T., De Gregori, M., Bergesio, L., Bugada, D., ... Fanelli, G. (2014). (469) IV-PCA morphine therapy in post-surgery acute pain: how circadian rhythm could influence morphine requirement.The Journal of Pain,15(4), S93. Chestnut, D. H., Wong, C. A., Tsen, L. C., Kee, W. D. N., Beilin, Y., Mhyre, J. (2014).Chestnut's obstetric anesthesia: principles and practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. Gartlehner, G., Hansen, R. A., Morgan, L. C., Thaler, K., Lux, L., Megan Van Noord, M. S. I. S., ... Strobelberger, M. (2012). Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects more than 16% of adults at some point during their lifetime (1). The estimated US economic burden of depressive disorders is approximately $83 billion annually (2), and projected workforce productivity losses related to depres-sion are $24 billion annually (3).FOCUS Major Depressive Disorder Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Workbook,155, 55. Inzucchi, S. E., Lipska, K. J., Mayo, H., Bailey, C. J., McGuire, D. K. (2014). 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Socialized Medicine Essays - Health Economics,

Socialized Medicine Socialized medicine is a service owned by all citizens and is present in many countries. How does it work and what does it do for a nations economy? One of the biggest fears most people have is becoming sick or injured, and the problem for them is paying for it. Under socialized medicine people would receive health care, regardless of their ability to pay. Everyone would be taken care of without worry of how they would pay for their care. The World Health Organization, part of the United Nations, says that, health care is a fundamental human right. The benefit of national health care would be potential for people to live longer lives. Costs would be driven down because doctors, nurses, and other health care providers would become civil servants. Another benefit would be that malpractice suits would decline, because it is very difficult to take legal action against the government (Carol 1994). Economics is the biggest factor in whether socialized medicine is good or bad for a nations economy. The United States, to a point, has socialized medicine with Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration Federal medicine, and health departments. The National Center for Public Policy Research said that, In 1990 the government shared 42 percent of the health and gained over 50 percent of health care in 1992 as expenses begin to rise. In 1993 health care expenditures consumed 13.9 percent of the Gross Domestic Product and 15.6 percent in 1995 according to the Heritage Foundation. Typically, people mistakenly blame rising costs on drug manufacturers, insurance companies, physicians, and hospitals. But the rapid growth in medical expenses is rising due to the rise in medical services needed (Oatman 11-34). As the government attempts to establish health care, hospitals are being overburdened with minor and unnecessary uses of health care services. These have caused emergency rooms to be filled with treating common colds, headaches, and minor scrapes. Medicare is said to be useless by the year 2002, just 8 years before 77 million baby boomers begin to retire. The only way that the country could continue is to raise taxes severely (Oatman 40). The supporters of national health care are Canada, Great Britain, France and Germany. All are suffering from severe budget and service problems. They are all losing their best and brightest doctors to the free market systems of the United States. These health care systems have a two-class system. The rich in these systems use private hospitals with private insurance to receive the levels of health care that the average American receives (Peikoff 1994). In Canada, the national health care system is facing many problems. Many hospitals have been closed to cut costs, and proof of this is shown in the amount of Canadian health care workers in the United States. Robert Bourassa, former Premier of Quebec, after discovering that he had melanoma, flew to Washington D.C. for further consultation at the National Cancer Institute. Former Cabinet Minister, John Moore, in charge of British National Health Service, checked himself into a private hospital for treatment of pneumonia. The British Royal Family has such faith in their health care system, that they are all treated in private hospitals. Socialized medicine is such a failure, even government officials admit to it by their actions (Mc Cuen, 1988). When health care starts being a right, the medical profession will not be as wealthy, and the quality of medical care will be decreased. Under the traditional American health care system a person has the right to health care if one can afford it, if you earn it by your own actions and efforts. But no one has the right, just because they want or need it. Pierre says that one is born with a moral right to hair care and the government should provide that free of charge. As a result, people show up everyday for an expensive new styling, the government pays out more and more, and barbers love their new huge incomes. Would you even think that a hairstylist could possibly even come close to making as much money as a doctor or nurse? These are not quite the actual standings but close enough for concern. There are also free hair implants, eyebrow plucks, breast implants, nose jobs, dental expenses tummy tucks, any type of plastic surgery you could possibly dream of getting, this could all be available for you, if you need it or have the want for it. Beauty schools have taken off, and tuition for them is sky high. Beauticians are working and spending like mad, trying