chapter 2

Introduction to Health Care

• Authors: Haroun/Mitchell

• Edition: 5th Edition (2021)

• Copyright: © 2021 Cengage. All Rights Reserved.

• Restrictions: May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted publicly.

Chapter 2: Health Care Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Historical Context

• Evolution of Health Care:

  • Gradual changes until the 20th century.

  • Rapid advancements post-1900.

• Infectious Diseases:

  • Major causes of death historically.

  • Now largely under control due to medical advancements.

Key Discoveries and Technological Advancements

• Penicillin and Antibiotics:

  • Not discovered until the 20th century, contrary to some misconceptions.

• Recent Advancements:

  • Organ transplants

  • Microscopic and robotic surgeries

  • Gene therapy

  • Targeted drug therapy: Aims to destroy cancer cells and prevent division.

Highlights of Health Care History

Ancient and Medieval Times

• Initial beliefs tied to supernatural causes.

• Hippocrates:

  • Ancient Greek physician; referred to as the "father of medicine".

• Middle Ages plagues:

  • Resulted in a significant decline in population.

Renaissance Period

• Scientific Interest:

  • Emphasis on experiments and observation.

  • Invention of the microscope by Van Leeuwenhoek.

  • Study of brain and psychology initiated.

1700s Developments

• Surgery gained respect and recognition.

• Discovery of the vaccination technique by Jenner.

• Recognition of mental illness as a disease.

1880s Advancements

• Establishment of large hospitals.

• Introduction of anesthesia by dentists.

• Pasteur's Insights:

  • Proved that bacteria caused certain diseases.

1900s Milestones

• Major medical discoveries:

  • Blood groups, vitamins, penicillin.

  • Development of health care specialties such as physical and occupational therapy.

Hopes for the 21st Century

• Potential Advances:

  • Vaccine for HIV.

  • Cures for AIDS and obesity.

  • Organ cloning and enhanced treatments for cancer and heart disease.

Specialization

• Impacts on Health Care:

  • Improved diagnoses and treatments.

  • Fragmented medical practice; increased costs.

  • Challenges in patient-provider communication but increased job opportunities in health care.

Aging Population

• Life Expectancy:

  • Increased from 47 years in 1900 to 79-81 years today.

  • Baby boomers shift into older adult demographics.

• Health Care Utilization:

  • Older adults are the primary users of health care services.

  • Need for long-term care facilities and chronic condition management.

Cost of Health Care

• Rising Costs:

  • Exceeding inflation rates of other goods and services.

  • Ongoing debate: "Is health care a right or a privilege?"

New Approaches to Health Care

• Alternative and Preventive Focus:

  • Exploration for alternatives to drugs/surgery.

  • Increased patient responsibility and access to health information.

  • Emphasis on humanizing health care practices.

Wellness

• Definition:

  • More than the absence of disease; promoting health through preventive measures.

  • Influence of lifestyle on leading causes of death.

Expanding Consciousness

• Developed by Margaret Newman:

  • Wellness as a focus on possibilities, shifting from mere existence.

Holistic Medicine

• Concept:

  • Broader view of health that emphasizes prevention, nutrition, and a positive outlook on health.

• Dimensions of Health:

  • Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual aspects contribute to overall health.

Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine

Definitions

• Complementary Medicine: Used with conventional medicine.

• Alternative Medicine: Used instead of conventional medicine.

• Integrative Medicine: Combines Western and complementary/alternative practices.

Government Health Services

• Funding: Supported by taxpayers; focuses on research and public health.

• Key Agencies:

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Challenges in Health Care

Affordability

• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010: Aimed at improving access and reducing costs.

• Issue of some Medicare recipients unable to afford supplemental insurance.

Health Disparities

• Causes and Concerns:

  • Differences in health among various demographic groups.

  • Impact of education and socio-economic conditions.

Future Challenges

• Addressing issues like dementia care, public health concerns, medication adherence, and the opioid crisis.

• Importance of addressing societal factors such as poverty and discrimination affecting health outcomes.

Conclusion

• The evolution and future of health care require a focus on integrating advancements, addressing costs, and improving patient-centered care.