The healthcare system in the US has been in the midst of a rapid transition in response to changing trends and patterns of care. The growing emphasis on evidence-based medical practice, continuous quality improvement, clinical and cost-effectiveness, and risk management have led to a sea change in medical practice that has been stressful for clinicians, patients, and administrators. As care becomes more tightly managed, it becomes a challenge for clinicians, administrators, and patients to balance time, money, resources, and clinical outcomes.
