Even considering remarkable technological advances – organ transplants, robotic surgeries, lasers, electronic medical records – the greatest difference in American medicine since the 1970s is the increase in the number of medications prescribed to patients today. To treat chronic diseases and control symptoms, the average American takes about 12 medications annually, compared to seven, 20 years ago. Patients who once came into the office carrying their medications in a purse, or pocket, now need a shopping bag.
Read the full story at the Guardian
No comments:
Post a Comment