ABSTRACT
Recent years have seen a number of developments in health care in the United States. Costs have risen and malpractice suits have increased, but these events stand in contrast to a shift in the way in which patients have been viewed by practitioners. Generally speaking, they are viewed as more active and responsible for their health. Prevention of illness as well as maintenance of health have become more important goals of medical practice, and social and behavioral scientists have expanded their involvement in these issues.
