Health Outcomes Essay -- Health, World Health Organization

Introduction: Health outcomes refer to the changes in the health status of individuals or the population. The outcomes are attributed to multiple or planned interventions, whether or not the intention of the intervention was to alter the health status. These interventions include health services and programs including health promotion programs, government policies, laws and regulations, and consequent programs. Intervention may also include unintended or intended health outcomes of government policies in areas besides health. Health outcomes are evaluated by health indicators (World Health Organization, 1998). Health indicators are a single measure, represented quantitatively, that encapsulates an important aspect of health, such as the amount people suffering from a chronic disease. It also captures a variety of health determinants such as income, or the important aspects of the health care system, such as the proportion of patients who revisit the hospital for additional care following previous treatment (World Health Organization, 1998). These indicators can be used to describe a public health concern at a specific point in time. It can indicate periodic changes over time at the population or individual health level, describe differences in the population health, and examine the extent at which program objectives are being met. These indicators can possibly encompass illness or disease measurements which are commonly used in measuring health outcomes, such as health expectancy, life skills, and quality of life, and behaviors or actions taken by individuals related to health (Rigby & Koh ler, 2002). Child health outcomes tend to be influenced by the parents, the home environment, intact families, maternal and non-maternal qua... ...t. In addition to the programs aimed at crisis intervention and suicide prevention, the MYCS offers transitional living arrangements for children and families in times of crisis. In addition they have facilities to assist with food and basic hygiene products in times of need. The Montgomery County Juvenile Court runs the Nicholas Residential Treatment Facility. This facility is a non-secure 24-bed unit which houses males, who have been adjudicated delinquent, and aims to rehabilitate these young men to become productive, responsible citizens. This mission is pursued with comprehensive treatment strategies, including family therapy and social-skill building. While staying at the Nicholas Residential Treatment Facility, youths will participate in educational, work, and recreational programs aimed at ensuring their swift and successful reintroduction to society.