- Discussion Guide to Study Circle Four - Printer Friendly Version
- Study Circle Four Preparatory Materials
Coming together and settling in with a brief reading or contemplative activity.
What Do We Want?
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How Can We Get There?
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How Can We Get There?
II. Overview
Here is an opportunity for you to re-imagine a health care system that reflects your values and yearnings. As you "design" your ideal health care system–by listing its elements–be true to those values by thinking beyond the limitations imposed by the status quo.
III. The Dot Game Exercise – Part One
The faciltator of this circle should have thoroughly read the instruction page and be well prepared. As a group list, but don’t discuss, the key elements of your ideal health care system. The goal of this exercise is to elicit many, many ideas, in any order (even if they are contradictory), and jot them down. Here are some optional categories and questions to stimulate your thinking and assist you in compiling your group wish list. (up to 30 minutes)
A. Core Values
We all hold core values about what is good and right. When we don’t see these values reflected in the institutions and systems in which we live we feel the conflict. Identify and list your core values and the qualities in a health care system that would reflect them (i.e. fairness, compassion, honesty, etc).
B. Core Principles
Reformers do not all agree on how to reform our system as they address the following issues:
Universality
Should health care by extended to all residents?
Basic Coverage
What types and minimum kinds of care can eligible parties expect to receive?
Portability
How transferable is one's coverage when they move or change jobs?
Accessibility
How accessible are health services? What conditions must be met to receive care?
Affordability
Are our country’s resources adequate to support health care for all? Is the cost of medical care within reach of the average American household?
Should health care by extended to all residents?
Basic Coverage
What types and minimum kinds of care can eligible parties expect to receive?
Portability
How transferable is one's coverage when they move or change jobs?
Accessibility
How accessible are health services? What conditions must be met to receive care?
Affordability
Are our country’s resources adequate to support health care for all? Is the cost of medical care within reach of the average American household?
C. Economics and Financing
Resources
Do we, as a country, have the resources to deliver basic care to everyone?
Equity
If not, how do we distribute care as fairly as possible?
Financing
How would we finance it? Who should pay for it? What should be the role of profit-making?
Administration
What should be the roles, if any, of government, employers and insurance companies? What would be the responsibilities of individuals?
Do we, as a country, have the resources to deliver basic care to everyone?
Equity
If not, how do we distribute care as fairly as possible?
Financing
How would we finance it? Who should pay for it? What should be the role of profit-making?
Administration
What should be the roles, if any, of government, employers and insurance companies? What would be the responsibilities of individuals?
D. Delivery of Services
Choice
Does your system include choice in professional services? If so, what kinds?
Prevention
Does your system include prevention?
Does your system include choice in professional services? If so, what kinds?
Prevention
Does your system include prevention?
E. Education and Training: How does your system prepare and support providers and patients? Does your system:
Include medical personnel training and education? If so, how they are financed?
Include health education for all citizens?
Address the roles and responsibilities of individuals? If so, in what ways?
Include health education for all citizens?
Address the roles and responsibilities of individuals? If so, in what ways?
IV. The Dot Game Exercise – Part Two
- Review the instruction page for the Dot Game Exercise. This is your opportunity to prioritize the ideas on your lists. The “voting with dots” portion of the game should take approximately 10 minutes.
- Which elements or ideas received the most dot votes? What were the top FIVE priorities? Record this data on the sheet provided.
V. Discussion: Reflection on your individual and group experiences
What did you learn from having done this exercise? Did this exercise help you to clarify your values? Any surprises? What plans or proposals reviewed in Study Circle #3 most closely matches yours or your group’s priorities? To what extent are our needs and desires grounded in moral principles?
VI. Next Week
Choose next week's facilitator, scribe and time-keeper.
