Americans' views on health policy: a fifty-year historical perspective.
A review of data from more than 100 public opinion surveys conducted over a fifty-year period finds that the American public has conflicting views about the nation's health policy. They report much dissatisfaction with the health care system and with private health insurance and managed care companies, and they indicate general support of a national health plan. However, most Americans remain satisfied with their current medical arrangements, do not trust the federal government to do what is right, and do not favor a single-payer type of national health plan. The review also finds that confidence in the leaders of medicine has declined but that most Americans maintain trust in the honesty and ethical standards of individual physicians.
Blendon
R J
RJ
Harvard School of Public Health, USA.
Benson
J M
JM
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003625:Data Collection; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000266:history; D006076:Government; D006291:Health Policy / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000266:history; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000266:history; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011639:Public Opinion; D014481:United States