The Socioeconomic Study Program on Nitroderm TTS

Abstract

Costs of health care are rising all over the world, and the rate of increase is often greater than that of the gross domestic product and of the general cost of living (Fig. 11.1). This development is commonly referred to as a “cost explosion.” It is manifested by a steadily growing burden on national economic systems, on the taxpayer, and on the patient. Today, instead of focusing on expansion of services and optimum health care those concerned speak primarily of curbing costs and of cost-effectiveness.