Critical Thinking Essay

Based on the research question, How does healthcare spending in the United States impact health outcomes, specifically life expectancy and chronic disease prevalence, when compared to other developed countries? I have identified the following problem: Even though the United States spends more money on healthcare per person than other developed countries, it still has lower life expectancy and higher rates of chronic disease. This gap suggests that there may be problems in how healthcare funds are used, how much focus is placed on prevention, and how social and structural factors affect health outcomes. These concerns raise questions about whether U.S. healthcare spending is truly effective.

To explore this issue, I am required to write a critical thinking essay that is at least three double-spaced pages in APA format, supported by scholarly sources, and written in my own words to ensure it is plagiarism-free. The paper must show my understanding of Paul and Elders Framework for Critical Thinking by including the eight elements of thought: Purpose, Key Questions, Information, Concepts, Assumptions, Implications and Consequences, Point of View, and Interpretation and Conclusion. Using this framework, I will examine the problem carefully, question underlying assumptions, and analyze the broader impact of healthcare spending on health outcomes.

This assignment will serve as the foundation for the research I will continue to develop throughout this course.