Insights From Organized Crime for Disorganized Health Care

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Medical Ethics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Author's unique background includes summer employment with organized crime families.
• Extensive career as a primary care clinician and geriatrician.
• Prior research focused on improving healthcare delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore unconventional insights from organized crime applicable to healthcare.
• To identify failures within the US healthcare system.
• To propose adaptations for cost reduction, improved image, and future readiness.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of experiences and observations.
• Application of organized crime principles to healthcare delivery.
• Symptom identification of US healthcare system failures.

Main Results:

• Identified three core principles from organized crime: 'don't damage the host,' 'protect the brand,' and 'lead necessary adaptation.'
• Detailed symptoms of failure within the current US healthcare system.
• Proposed specific adaptations to address identified systemic issues.

Conclusions:

• Organized crime principles offer a novel framework for healthcare improvement.
• Addressing systemic failures requires strategic adaptation and brand protection.
• Proposed changes can reduce costs, enhance public perception, and prepare for future challenges.