There is an agreement that the health care delivery system in America has evolved over the years. This evolution has witnessed developments in the healthcare sector that are significant. Although they might not be equal, they have all played a significant role in bringing change to the health care sector. As the curator of the first health care Hall of Fame Museum, there is pressure to have in store some of the developments. This paper discusses five of the most significant developments.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
The first exhibit relates to prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. In the past, stroke and heart diseases were considered the leading causes of death in America. Between the year 1921 and 1938, the two were responsible for more than 37000 deaths. Recent studies indicate that stroke is ranked fourth among the major causes of death. Since the early 90s, the stroke and coronary heart disease death rates have decreased by about 42 percent (Belknap, 2010). Such a significant reduction is attributed to factors such as a reduction in the prevalence of elevated cholesterol, hypertension, uncontrolled hypertension and smoking. The development in the sector of quality of care, improvements in treatments and medication have all played a role in reducing the problem.
Control of tobacco
In 1964, a surgeon general published a report on tobacco use in the United States of America. This publication has since acted as the yardstick through which policies that are evidence-based and interventions by the state, local and federal health authorities have acted upon. The healthcare sector undertook the initiative of aiming to reduce tobacco usage in America. This move significantly reduced tobacco users (Belknap, 2010). A survey carried out in 2009, for instance, indicates that here was a reduction of up to 30 percent of smokers. Such rate of decline began in the year 1950 and has seen a constant reduction of the trend. This is a major achievement to the industry.
Exhibit on infant and maternal health
There is a decrease in the number of children that are born through test tubes (NTDs). As this happens, there is a significant expansion of the newborn babies that are screened for heritable and metabolic disorders. Beginning in 1978, the rate of reduction has reached 36 percent in NTDs. Effectively, the health care industry manages to prevent up to 10000 pregnancies that are NTD-affected (Belknap, 2010). This saves the country more than $4.7. This is a major improvement in the health care industry in America.
Exhibit on cancer prevention
Screening recommendations that are evidence-based have been found to reduce deaths that arise from cancer (breast and cervical). These recommendations were inspired by several recommendations to improve the screening rates significantly. The local health agencies and the federal, state and local governments collaborate to ensure unprecedented services are offered to patients. Te introduction of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has played a significant role in reducing cancer-related deaths. Despite the problem not being solved completely, the trend seems positive as the likelihood of finding a better solution is investigated.
Exhibit on vaccines for preventable diseases
Perhaps this is a major development in the health care sector in America. The introduction of vaccination mechanisms in America has reduced the number of individuals who die or get hospitalized for various diseases. The consistent introduction of new vaccines into the limelight to address emerging diseases remains one of the best achievements in the sector. Vaccines of diseases such as quadrivalent meningococcal, rotavirus and herpes zoster have all played an important role in boosting healthcare. With immunity boosted, the government is able to channel resources to other sectors.
References
Belknap, W., & Sellers, C. (2010). American colonial painting: Materials for a history. Cambridge, Mass.: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
