Some of the trends in healthcare are clearly seen and have been discussed already. For example, consolidation of the different systems, which was explored in the vertical and horizontal integration is a trend. What cannot be clearly seen is the end game with these trends. Is it possible that integration and growth of already extensive organizations could result in standards for the industry that act as an authority similar to the federal government? Most presidents have shown little interest in control of the healthcare system. They have understood the deeply rooted belief in free markets and distrust of the government by many. With the exception of true socialists such as Bernie Sanders, presidential efforts toward health reform and Universal Health Insurance have placed the bulk of the responsibility on the separate businesses (insurance, pharma, hospitals, etc.), with little expansion of legislative authority other than establishment of standards. We have seen this thoroughly explored in the readings in this course. Hopefully, this class has made you wary of blanket statements by others that are not based in fact.
In addition, the U.S. Constitution directs that the country is both a democracy (we, the people hold power via representation [the power of the vote]) and a republic because those representatives exercise political power, Additionally, the U.S. is federalist in that power is shared between the government and the states. And one more thing, the government itself is divided into three separate, distinct powers (legislative, judicial, executive) (Is The United States A Democracy Or A Republic?).
Provide a review of healthcare trends.
Include the following aspects in the assignment:
Write an introductory paragraph into the template (download it, save it, and name it so you can find it).
The introductory paragraph should contain a summary of the healthcare trends (use text and article).
1st level two heading: Collaborative Ecosystem (use bolded words here as the heading) (which sub-trends do you see happening and why)
2nd level two heading: Patient and Workforce Engagement (use bolded as the heading) (which sub-trends do you see happening and why)
3rd level two heading: Digital Acceleration (which sub-trends do you see happening and why).
4th level two heading: Business Growth (which sub-trends do you see happening and why).
Write a brief Conclusion paragraph (summarize the paper)