Seven Ideas to Improve Quality

A recent TIME/Rockefeller Foundation study revealed that most Americans, particularly young adults, believe that even if they work hard and play by the rules, they will still not be able to afford quality health care, college for their children and a secure retirement. A large part of that bleak outlook is driven by the enormous and ongoing increase in health care expenditures. Unfortunately, despite such expenditures, patients receive only half of recommended care; if the patient is an elderly person who has geriatric conditions such as memory loss or incontinence, the number is closer to one-third. In addition, many people receive care that is equivocal or harmful.