Final answer:
The claim that quality of care improvements in the U.S. cannot be achieved without increasing costs is false. There is evidence that better outcomes can be realized through improved protocols and efficient use without additional costs, emphasizing that quality and patient safety are everyone's responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement suggesting that there is little opportunity to improve the quality of care in the U.S. without increasing the cost is false. Research and practical case studies have demonstrated that it is possible to enhance quality and patient safety without necessarily incurring extra costs. Innovations in processes and a focus on evidence-based practices have shown to improve outcomes. It's important to recognize that quality and patient safety are everyone's job in healthcare.
In other countries, while healthcare costs may be lower and access more equal, challenges remain in providing rapid access and the most advanced care. The U.S. healthcare system shines in providing high-quality care with breakthrough innovations but faces challenges in controlling costs and ensuring access for all.
For instance, there are many instances where improved protocols and efficient use of resources have led to a reduction in medical errors, resulting in better patient outcomes and cost savings of more than 35 percent, with no additional costs. Thus, the problem is often not a lack of knowledge but the complexity in applying what is known in urgent and complicated situations.