It is germane to the above courses to as well as to courses in science and technology studies, science policy, public policy, policy studies, national development, science education, and research methods. The author argues that individuals' values such as autonomy, dignity, and choice in healthcare can be enhanced if healthcare governance and delivery are structured more along lines of federalism. The case is presented that the American System of Healthcare is as much federalism with a plethora of intergovernmental relations and private enterprise relationships as is the larger American Partnership itself. The health systems federalism paradigm suggests the need for better counter-balancing the access and quality of health services for consumers and the need for more basic scientific research with the economic interests of private health care organizations and governments. The author gives his concept of the structural relationship and infrastructure in society and how communication occurs.
Description is given of the emerging field of large scale health systems.
The authors analyze economic market dynamics of mergers and acquisitions in light of recent court decisions and market trends - with some interesting and surprising conclusions. A prominent practitioners analysis of the benefits of integrated delivery systems. A description and analysis of benefits to society, commercialization and normative change, historical problems and public corruption, financial abuses, private interests, accountability, political contributions, construction vs. research, approvals of drugs, need to replace bad laws. The article gives 23 tables and charts of patient and financial data 1995-1999, myriad topics in discussion of management and administration of one of the nation's leading health systems that has been having its share of troubles amid profound benefits it contributes to humanity. Excellent analysis for comparative studies and for lessons learned.