Chapter 1 U.S. Health Care

Objectives After studying this chapter the student should be able to: Discuss the changes in health problems of the population during this century. Identify expected future changes in the health of the population that will influence the healthcare professional. Identify the role of the government in the expansion of health care.

Historical Events Impacting Health Care In the United States in the second half of the nineteenth century, the most critical health problems were related to contaminated food and water, inadequate housing, and sewage disposal. epidemic: an outbreak of disease in a certain geographic area in greater numbers than usual. cholera, yellow fever, flu as examples In the twentieth century the decrease in mortality was due to essential hygiene, supported by home and workplace improvements and attempts to improve the environment. Another reason for the falling death rate was the improvement of nutrition, which led to an increase in the resistance to diseases. WHO states that the best “vaccine” against common diseases = DIET

Historical Events Impacting Health Care (cont.) The arrival of antibiotics in the 1940s signaled the end of the dominance of acute infectious disease and the increase in chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer conditions that accounted for two-thirds of the deaths in the United States. The five leading causes of death in 2007 were heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, and Alzheimer’s disease

A Look Forward Most diseases of today, both physical and mental, are associated with personal lifestyle. physical activity, eating habits, hygiene, etc. Prevention is now the key the disease process begins long before the appearance of symptoms Preventive healthcare services improve health by protecting against disease, lessening the impact of disease, or detecting disease at an early stage when it is easier to treat.

Impact of Technology on Healthcare Services Clinical developments, such as infection control, less invasive surgical techniques, advances in reproductive technology, and gene therapy for cancer treatment, continue to increase the longevity and improve quality of life. Advances in medical technology have improved the survival rates of trauma victims and the severely ill.

Some Health Strategies For The Twenty-first Century Transform health care (revisit later) Advance scientific knowledge and innovation. Advance the health, safety, and well-being of the American people. Increase the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of USDHHS programs. Strengthen the nation’s health and human services infrastructure and workforce.