Summary: Health care reform and the recent economic downturn are placing unprecedented pressure on the health care system to provide consumers with value. Patients, purchasers, regulators, and other key stakeholders are demanding that care be readily accessible, proactive, and focused on improving health while containing costs. Many in the health care system are developing novel strategies to provide these services including new delivery models centered on patient-centricity, health information technology, and integrated delivery systems. The lecture will discuss how these forces interact as well as the challenges and opportunities they afford in improving the U.S. health care system.
