Option A:
You have been asked by a nonprofit community organization that has been awarded a substantial research grant, to put together an effective campaign to reduce, and eventually eliminate, from children’s diet in the United States, high calorie soft drinks. The campaign is intended to help fight the epidemic of childhood obesity. Discuss at least three of the following (you must address # 6):
Option B:
There is a general consensus that better communication between health care administrators, providers, patients, and families can lead to fewer medical errors, better health outcomes, and improved patient satisfaction. However, certain features of our health care system and our diverse country present challenges to reaching this goal. The following list contains some examples of such challenges, including:
lack of courses for medical students, and/or lack of skills training for physicians and other providers, on ways to improve provider-patient communication
managed care requirements and restrictions
insurance coverage restrictions and payment/reimbursement limitations
cultural diversity and cultural attitudes toward health
health literacy and disadvantaged populations
lack of funding for technology and/or failure to properly implement existing technology
other systemic/societal topic (chosen by you)
From the above list, select one or two topics. Then discuss at least three of the following as they relate to your selected topic(s) (you must address # 3 and # 6):
Option C:
Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription and over-the-counter medications cost more than $6 billion annually. Advocates of such advertising point out, for example, that it leads to greater consumer awareness of drugs that can improve and extend people’s lives. Opponents of such advertising contend, among other things, that it allows drug companies to promote higher cost drugs at the expense of lower cost alternatives, downplays risks, and creates unrealistic expectations. Such advertising influences patient preferences and, together with direct marketing to hospitals and providers, has a significant effect on provider prescribing patterns.
You are asked by a nonprofit group in your community – concerned with the impact of this form of communication on patient health and the total cost of health care in the United States – to evaluate this advertising and marketing. Discuss at least three of the following areas (you must address # 6):