Read Chap 4 - 6
You must submit written responses to these questions.
1. Assume that health production is subject to diminishing returns and that each unit of healthcare employed entails a constant rate of iatrogenic (medically caused) disease. Would the product of health function eventually bend downward? Explain.
Answer: No. The product of health function would not bend downward, if the diseases are iatrogenic in nature then it is not caused by medicine or the provider. This will increase the cost of healthcare making a patient more dependent on the medication needed to help cure or feel better. Which increases more provider visits, more medication prescribed, more studies/test to be done, and list goes on all equals more cost in the end.
2.
…show more content…
What role did public health play in the historical decline in mortality rates?
Answer: Public health did play an important role in the declination of mortality rates. Take for instance Robert Fogel with his discovery that nutrition reduced European mortality rate and with the advancement of medicine during that time as well also played a factor. By being able to locate and keep public health records they can open the door to multiple perspectives and different viewpoints. This very well could have been the start of evidence base practices within the health care system and population health.
3. Suppose you were hired as an adviser to a developing country and you were versed in the theory of production, the historical role of medicine, and the modern-day health production functions studies. Their government seeks advice on the wisdom of a relative emphasis on health and health investment versus other forms of economic investment. What would be your