Hope or Hype: The Obsession with Medical Advances and the High Cost of False Promises

by Richard A. Deyo, Donald L. Patrick, Richard A. Deyo M.D. M.P.H.

Book Overview

"Medical science has always promised -- and often delivered -- a longer, better life. But as the pace of science accelerates, do our expectations become unreasonable, fueled by an industry bent on... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814408451
• ISBN13: 9780814408452
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: AMACOM/American Management Association
• Length: 335 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 17 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Obsession with Medical Advances

Richard Deyo and Donald Patrick provide a thoroughly accessible, timely and well reasoned coverage of the advance of medical technologies. As a non-clinician, I found their approach to building on a multitude of real world examples mixed with references to both solid science and the lay press, to help define thorny issues while providing an avenue for further study to be very persuasive. I also enjoyed the personal perspective that both authors brought to the book. At multiple times, the authors relate how the current topic effected their own lives; for example Dr. Deyo describes his father's experience with calcium-channel drugs following experiencing a heart attack. I think this personal touch shows a respect for the reader and the authors' intent to provide important information without describing everything with an overly clinical outsider's approach. As a psychologist, I appreciate the rigor that is applied to the authors' discussion of topics. These authors are not just playing devil's advocate for modern technology; they are providing both the pros and cons for these new technologies. I believe this book is important for anyone in the health care industry, anyone who is concerned about his/her own health or the health of society and for anyone who simply enjoys good writing on a crucial topic.

An overview of the drug and medical industries as a whole

Why are Americans obsessed with medical miracles? In Hope Or Hype: The Obsession With Medical Advances And The High Cost Of False Promises, two doctors who are experts on ethical and policy issues in the medical world examine the false premises and promises the medical community makes to consumers, from pharmaceutical and equipment companies eager to promote new technologies and cures to physicians and hospitals too quick to prescribe costly medicines or surgeries. The hazards of such unnecessary treatments are provided within an overview of the drug and medical industries as a whole.

The Perils of Rampant Medical Technoconsumption

What is wrong with American health care and how can we fix it? Many recent books try to address this question. One of the central points of "Hope or Hype" is that "...the major reason for rising health-care costs and shrinking insurance coverage is the rapid introduction of new medical treatments, often before they can be adequately evaluated for effectiveness, safety, or cost." The authors, a medical doctor and a social scientist, have had years of experience studying health care in the larger societal context. "Hope or Hype" focuses on what happens when we allow the hype in the media and the marketplace to overtake the good that medical advances can bring us. It tells the story of overmedicalization, wasted resources and greed. If you are thinking - problem, what problem? Start by reading "Part III - Useless, Harmful or Marginal: Popular Treatments that Caused Unneccessary Disability, Dollar Costs, or Death." The stories are first-hand accounts of what happened to medical researchers when they got in the way of special interest groups and big drug companies. The back stories surrounding those drugs and devices you see advertised on television are very interesting. Deyo and Patrick have written this book for the general public, as well as for students and health care researchers. They provide an historical overview of our love of "technoconsumption" and our infatuation with the latest medical breakthroughs. The final chapters address how we all can do better. For example, they suggest that decisions about using new drugs and devices could be "evidence-based" and that consumers could be better informed to help prepare them to participate in shared decision making. Finally, they suggest that the government could create a "Fed" for health care, a regulatory agency mandated to oversee the integration of new technologies in medicine while minimizing waste and potential harm.

Factual medical info revealed

A thoughtful and thorough gathering of medical practice information as driven by the prescription drug industry. How to read the glowing advertising with careful scrutiny is just one benefit. The authors write clearly about complex subjects. While not racy reading, it should be read by any of us who have or will have medical needs.

Excellent!

Hope or Hype is a fascinating look at how we approach new medical technologies and interventions in our medical system. It is extremely well-written and readable, both for medical professionals and the general public. He raises significant ethical issues that we must confront given the current and impending health-care expenditure crisis in this country. He also provides extensive historical examples of how we have introduced "innovative" healthcare treatments (in an uncontrolled way) that have proven to be unhelpful and often harmful. This is an important book for people within the health care service industry as well as for all consumers of health care in the United States.