An appraisal of the American and British health-care systems

1. A dispassionate comparison of the British and American systems of medical care using conventional guidelines (structure, process, and outcomes) as applied to acknowledged national problems in health and medical care (expense, quality, and distribution) has been made. 2. Dissimilarities in the size of the countries, in the attitudes of physicians, and in homogeneity of populations make it unlikely that the two countries should have identical medical-care systems. 3. The "good features" of the NHS, which by implication might benefit the American system if adopted, are seen to be overshadowed by weakness: a) Relative expensiveness or extravagance of American medicine is seen as underfinancing of the British system. b) Quality of care in Britain is threatened by lack of professional stimulation of generalists, inadequate facilities, and rationing of medical care by prolonged waiting times for elective services. c) Distribution of services is a problem in both countries which will not be corrected by administrative controls but "pegged to incentives" as is true in America. 4. Administrative change in NHS in April 1974 is evidence of internal dissatisfaction. It also demonstrates the need for continual revision of the system; a similar need is made evident by recent legislative proposals in America. 5. Dr. Beeson's final recommendation for voluntary organizational effort by the profession in America has merit.