Marcus Island Recommendations

DEMOGRAPHICS

Demographics: Marcus Island has thirty million residents; the population is growing. Family size is generally large compared to other nations, with the average family having four children. Nine percent of the population is over the age of sixty, with a life expectancy of 68 years. The median age is 20 years. Island wide, one in five residents is unemployed (20% unemployment rate). With regards to access to healthcare, the majority of the population is considered to have reasonable access to care, with 11 physicians available for every 10,000 residents (in the US, a 3,000:1 resident to primary health care provider ratio is considered a provider shortage).

Marcus Island residents face issues common to many other developing nations, such as high rates of chronic disease. Obesity is an issue, with eighteen percent of the adult population considered obese. Seventeen percent of the population smoke, with males representing the majority of chronic smokers. There is a prevalence of HIV/AIDS on Marcus Island, and while the specific percentage of the population infected is unknown, it is responsible for 3,600 deaths on the island each year.

Access to prenatal care is a gap in services for residents of Marcus Island, resulting in poor birth outcomes. Marcus Island ranks 120th among nations comparing infant mortality rate, with 31 deaths per 1,000 births (Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_infant_mortality_rate). In addition, thirteen percent of newborns are low birth weight.

Implications on Healthcare System: Some of the key issues that will have long term effects on the Marcus Island healthcare system if not addressed are the high unemployment rate, high prevalence of chronic diseases, and poor prenatal indicators. These factors, combined with the growing population will lead an already taxed system to a point where patients will not receive adequate healthcare.

With high rates of unemployment, it is vital that the health care system includes access to affordable services for those living in poverty. In response to those diagnosed with chronic disease, the health care system needs to offer comprehensive chronic disease management services that include preventive care, screening services, and health education.

Poor prenatal indicators highlight the need for access to prenatal care services. With only 60% of births attended to by skilled personal and high rates of infant mortality and low birth weight, it is imperative that the health care system emphasize early/timely entry into accessible prenatal care.

HOSPITALS

Hospitals: There are five government and physician run hospitals on Marcus Island, one in each of the major cities. While there are 13 beds for every 10,000 people, patients tend to view the hospitals as old, out-of-date,