Case Studies in Technological Change

Abstract

Health care throughout the world is becoming more and more complex. Almost every major world economy is experiencing the effects of the high cost of health care, and many, if not most, national and regional governments are in some stage of health care reform. However, the changes associated with health care are not easy to understand. They are complex, political, and rapid, and there does not seem to be any end in sight. Neither those working within the health care system on a daily basis nor those on the outside seem to be able to comprehend the expansive changes. Furthermore, most people have very definite—and sometimes quite emotional—opinions about what should be done to “improve” the system.