Answer to Question 1
The Flexner Report (1910 ) was the first evaluation of health education in the United States. Data was collected, and health education was brought to the forefront, resulting in the conclusion that only one of the 155 medical schools evaluated provided an acceptable medical education. The American College of Surgeons was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for surgical patients by establishing standards for surgical education and practice. The ACS developed the Minimum Standard for Hospitals. The American Hospital Association (AHA), founded in 1898, provides education for health care professionals and information on health care issues. The Joint Commission (formerly known as The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations JCAHO), founded in 1951, functions to further the quality of care delivered to patients.
Answer to Question 2
Health care was nearly nonexistent in prehistoric and ancient times and was characterized by the belief that illness resulted from supernatural causes. During the Middle Ages, medieval medicine was characterized by a lack of education and was often managed by religious organizations. Modern medicine developed during the Renaissance, as medicine began to be based on education instead of spiritual beliefs. During the 17th and 18th centuries, medicine was characterized by the implementation of standards for sanitation, ventilation, hygiene, and nutrition. During the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, scientific knowledge increased rapidly with greater education in the medical field.