Four Strong Winds

Health care organizations are being buffeted by four strong winds of change:-- powerful new conceptions of health;-- a more demanding and knowledgeable public;-- developing technology;-- public and governmental pressure for greater affordability and value.These forces are bringing about phenomenal and rapid changes to health care delivery in the United States, and around the world. Just as sailors must understand the winds to navigate their boats safely, so medical personnel, politicians, and the public must understand these four challenges to health care to develop a system that is economical, yet compassionate.Michael Decter explores all the options. He examines the impact of these trends on hospitals, physicians, nurses, and drugs; analyzes the needs of the emerging health consumer; and forecasts health care's prospects for the 21st century.