Various historical forces have shaped health care delivery in the United States. Today's health care administrators must understand how and why these historical forces have impacted service delivery in order to fully grasp the current context of the U.S. health care system.

Below are lists of historical forces. Select one of the following to be the focus on:

Hospitals as centers of care
Financing (e.g., private and government-provided insurance)
Technology and scientific discoveries
Population changes and shifts in disease burden (e.g., increasing life expectancies, rise in chronic illnesses)
Consumerism and direct-to-consumer marketing
Rules and regulations
Public health

Review different Resources for information related to the historical force you have selected. Also search for additional resources on credible Web sites. Consider how this historical force has contributed to changes and growth related to the U.S. health care system and health services.

Present a cohesive response that addresses the following:

1. Identify the historical force you are addressing in the first line of your posting.

2. Describe changes and growth related to the health care system and health services, explaining how this historical force has impacted the delivery of health care in the United States.

3. Include a description of two or more specific events or developments related to this historical force that have been particularly influential.