1. A 2013 study by the Journal of Patient Safety reported that premature deaths associated with preventable harm is estimated at more than 400,000 per year; 200,000 occurring in hospitals. Discuss three patient safety measures that can prevent harm/death in health care settings.

2. In 2013, health spending in the United States exceeded $2.8 trillion, which is approximately 17.9% of the U.S. gross national product (GDP) (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2011). Why do you believe health care spending in the United States is so high? Is this trend sustainable in the long term? Explain your answer.