The effect of changes in the financing and organization of health services on health promotion and disease prevention.

Abstract

In sum, we are in the midst of a revolution in health care delivery. We have opportunities now to promote health and prevent disease that may disappear very quickly if action is not taken to encourage the participation in HP/DP of all health care professionals and health care delivery organizations. Some have argued that since these professionals have not been trained in health promotion and disease prevention, and have not shown sufficient commitment to its values, they should be passed over, written off. Given the huge resource base the health care delivery system represents, this may be a shortsighted approach. It could be argued equally that, like all major institutions in our society, the health care delivery system has a responsibility to participate in health promotion and disease prevention. More, given their fundamental concern with health, the health care delivery system should be taking the lead.