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HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 222

Explain how geographic location creates inequalities in healthcare access across Australia's population.   (5 marks)

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  • Geographic location creates healthcare inequalities because rural and remote communities have limited access to specialist services and medical facilities compared to metropolitan areas.
  • This occurs because healthcare professionals prefer urban locations where better career opportunities and lifestyle amenities exist, resulting in workforce shortages in remote regions.
  • The reason geography impacts access is emergency medical services take longer to reach patients in remote areas which can lead to poorer health outcomes during critical situations.
  • Travel distances create significant barriers because patients must travel hundreds of kilometres to access specialist treatments causing financial hardship and delayed care.
  • Consequently, telecommunications technology like telehealth attempts to bridge geographic gaps by enabling remote consultations, though limitations remain for hands-on examinations and procedures.
  • Therefore, Australia’s vast geographic spread results in a two-tiered healthcare system where location determines the quality and timeliness of medical care available to different populations.
Show Worked Solution
  • Geographic location creates healthcare inequalities because rural and remote communities have limited access to specialist services and medical facilities compared to metropolitan areas.
  • This occurs because healthcare professionals prefer urban locations where better career opportunities and lifestyle amenities exist, resulting in workforce shortages in remote regions.
  • The reason geography impacts access is emergency medical services take longer to reach patients in remote areas which can lead to poorer health outcomes during critical situations.
  • Travel distances create significant barriers because patients must travel hundreds of kilometres to access specialist treatments causing financial hardship and delayed care.
  • Consequently, telecommunications technology like telehealth attempts to bridge geographic gaps by enabling remote consultations, though limitations remain for hands-on examinations and procedures.
  • Therefore, Australia’s vast geographic spread results in a two-tiered healthcare system where location determines the quality and timeliness of medical care available to different populations.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 221

Describe how Australia's ageing population creates challenges for healthcare service delivery.   (3 marks)

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  • Ageing populations require more frequent and complex healthcare services as older adults can develop multiple chronic conditions needing ongoing management.
  • Healthcare facilities need specialised equipment and trained staff to manage age-related conditions like dementia and mobility issues.
  • Increased demand for aged care services and palliative care places additional pressure on healthcare resources and workforce capacity.
  • Rural areas face particular challenges as older residents may require travel to access specialised geriatric services in cities.
  • Healthcare costs rise significantly as older patients typically require more expensive treatments and longer hospital stays
Show Worked Solution
  • Ageing populations require more frequent and complex healthcare services as older adults can develop multiple chronic conditions needing ongoing management.
  • Healthcare facilities need specialised equipment and trained staff to manage age-related conditions like dementia and mobility issues.
  • Increased demand for aged care services and palliative care places additional pressure on healthcare resources and workforce capacity.
  • Rural areas face particular challenges as older residents may require travel to access specialised geriatric services in cities.
  • Healthcare costs rise significantly as older patients typically require more expensive treatments and longer hospital stays

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 217 MC

Australia's healthcare system faces increasing pressure from demographic changes. Which factor creates the GREATEST challenge for healthcare service delivery across the country?

  1. Rising birth rates in metropolitan areas requiring more paediatric services
  2. An ageing population requiring specialised geriatric care and chronic disease management
  3. Decreased migration reducing healthcare workforce diversity
  4. Population decline in major cities concentrating demand in rural areas
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

  • B is correct: Ageing population creates greatest pressure through increased demand for specialised care and chronic disease management.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Birth rates are declining, not rising, and this creates less pressure than ageing.
  • C is incorrect: Migration generally increases healthcare workforce, not decreases it.
  • D is incorrect: Population is increasing in cities, not declining.