Chapter 1: Today's Health Care System

Time Period Order

1. Prehistoric times (8000 BC - 3000 BC)

2. Ancient times (3000 BC - 500 AD)

3. Medieval time (500 AD - 1300 AD)

4. Renaissance (1300 AD - 1600 AD)

5. Modern times (1600 AD - present)

prehistoric times

Small communities and nomadic lifestyles limited disease spread.

Medicine was strongly connected to religious and spiritual beliefs.

ancient times

Egyptians developed some understanding of anatomy.

Greeks contributed ideas such as prognosis, Hippocrates, and the Hippocratic Oath. Romans borrowed many Greek medical ideas.

medieval times

The fall of the Roman Empire and some religious beliefs slowed medical
progress.

Avicenna, a Persian physician, wrote the Canon of Medicine.

renaissance

The bubonic plague and renewed interest in medicine led to translation of
Greek and Roman medical texts, anatomy study through dissection,
Vesalius’s work, and early medical universities

modern times

Health care advanced through improved surgical procedures, better
anatomy knowledge, the microscope, the mercury thermometer, and the
sphygmomanometer.

Edward jenner

developed smallpox vaccine in 1796

louis pasteur

developed germ theory, which connected microorganisms to disease

Robert Koch

studied microorganisms and disease, helping establish microbiology

Florence nightingale

known as the founder of modern nursing, improved hygiene and sanitation standards

military contributions

advanced surgery during war, MASH units, and helicopter ambulances during the Korean and Vietnam wars

space program contributions

helped advance CT scans, MRI, electron microscopes, nuclear medicine, life support techniques, chromosome analysis, and alternatives to balloon angioplasty

U.S. Health Care System

The U.S. health care system is described as highly advanced and shaped by innovative
medical technology, an aging population, longer life expectancy, and expanding roles for
health professionals

Types of Health Care facilities

1. hospitals

2. extended care facilities

3. subacute care facilities

4. home health care agencies

5. rehabilitation centers

6. mental health facilities

7. volunteer agencies

hospitals

Acute care facilities providing inpatient and outpatient services for
severe illness, injury, surgery, and childbirth. Average length of stay has
decreased.

extended care facilities

Provide health care and help with activities of daily living. Examples
include skilled nursing facilities, independent living, assisted living, and
residential institutions for individuals with mental or physical
impairments.

Subacute Care Facilities

Bridge the gap between hospitalization and rehabilitation. Provide monitoring, IV therapy, and around-the-clock supervision, usually at lower cost than hospitals.

home health care agencies

Provide care in the patient’s home. Growth is linked to earlier hospital
discharge, older adults living longer with chronic disease, and
technology.

Rehabilitation Centers

Provide physical or emotional rehabilitation and treatment for chemical
dependency. The goal is to help patients return to the community.

mental health facilities

Provide counseling, medications, independent-living support, and crisis
intervention services.

volunteer agencies

Nonprofit agencies funded by donations, grants, and fundraisers.
Examples include the American Heart Association and Meals on Wheels.

what are some examples of health care professionals?

1. patient care professionals

2. laboratory and pharmacy professionals

3. diagnostic and imaging professionals

4. therapy and rehabilitation professionals

5. health information and administration professional

patient care professionals

Physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical
nurses, certified nurse assistants, surgical technologists, medical assistants, EMTs, and paramedics.

laboratory and pharmacy professionals

Laboratory technicians, cardiovascular technicians, phlebotomists, and pharmacy technicians.

diagnostic and imaging professionals

Diagnostic medical sonographers and clinical laboratory technologists

therapy and rehabilitation professionals

Occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation therapists, speech therapists, and massage therapists.

health information and administration professionals

Medical records technicians, health information technicians, coding specialists, and medical transcriptionists

types of health care trends

1. aging population

2. wellness and prevention

3. complementary therapies

4. specialization

aging population

The older adult population is expected to increase significantly, creating greater
demand for health care providers.

wellness and prevention

Important strategies include balanced diet, exercise, stopping smoking,
early detection of disease, and routine examinations

complementary therapies

Examples include nutrition, exercise, relaxation, yoga, meditation,
chiropractic care, massage therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, and aromatherapy

specialization

Medical knowledge has increased, leading to more specialists. Possible concerns include fragmented care and loss of continuity of care.