what historical, social, political, and economic trends and issues have  influenced today’s health-care system? 

what historical, social, political, and economic trends and issues have  influenced today’s health-care system? 

 The rapidly changing health care delivery system is driven by many forces that are influencing the current movement toward improved quality and safety. Some of these forces include economics, societal demographics and diversity regulation, technology, healthcare delivery and practice, and environment and globalization.

Economics: US health care delivery has been affected by many economic trends and issues. Businesses, government, and the media decry the cost of health care within the United States when compared with that of other developed nations. The cost of research and the cost to develop new treatments and technology are rising. Educated consumers will expect safe, quality care with associated satisfaction and health outcomes.

Societal demographics and diversity, increased numbers of racial and ethnic groups will influence health care delivery. Increased numbers of elderly people increase lifespan and improvements in technology mean an emphasis on specialized geriatric care. Both the elderly and ethnic minority are at risk population who suffer disadvantage in access payment and quality of care.