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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.