Week 1-A:The reclassification of certain drugs consumers could only purchase with a prescription from a physician to [non-prescription] over-the-counter [OTC] drugs, has resulted in the decreased influence of physicians over which drugs may be prescribed for a patient as well as an explosion of pharmaceutical and medical device advertising directed to consumer. Do you believe today’s consumers are more informed about the disease process and its treatment [if so, how?] or are they relying too much on media to provide viable treatment suggestions [if so, why]? Week 1-B: An aging population, an increased demand for chronic long-term care, as well as an trend toward the development of new technologies that support alternative delivery systems (ADS) have all decentralized medical decision-making and embraced private innovations in healthcare for senior citizens and taxpayers. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of your facility, discuss the implication (both positive and negative) of decentralized medical services on caring for an increasing aging population and increased costs of new technologies. Name at least two strategies that may keep your organization viable.
