Download CH01_HEOC 104

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.