Growth in Hospitals
The U.S. among other western countries has seen the evolution of hospitals from charitable guests to centers of scientific excellence over the years. All the credit has to be given to the change in the meaning of diseases, geographic location, economics, ethnicity and religion, client’s economic status, technological and scientific growth, and the perceived population needs. However, throughout the United States history, the government has been pivotal in the construction, closure, and also the merger of hospitals. This led to the growth and the decline of hospitals over these years. To specifically look in details the main causes of hospital growth focus will be placed on technological and scientific growth, development of professional nursing, and the role of third parties such as Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, focus will be placed on factors that have led to the decline in hospitals like the Great Depression and
Technological and Scientific Growth
The U.S. government has played an essential role in ensuring the development of technology in the medical field. One of the roles it plays in this is the provision of sponsorship on the researches and developments that are related to technology. Moreover, while researchers are conducting their studies, the government regulates the investigational use of medical technology such as biologicals, medical devices, and drugs on human subjects. This ensures that scientists come up with quality technologies that are safe to use on humans without having any detrimental effects on them. As such, there has been the development of hospitals because all the technologies that are invented can be safely be implemented on humans and thus encourages the construction of more hospitals to place all these technologies for utilization.
Development of Professional Nursing
Nursing as a profession holds a special place in the American healthcare system. They are the largest members of the healthcare profession with most citizens seeing them for the provision of their primary healthcare services. These individuals are a vital link in ensuring that they maintain a cutting-edge healthcare system. Ever since the 18th century, there has been an increase in nursing education programs to ensure that these essential workers are available. More schools were built by the U.S government after the success of the so-called “Nightingale schools.” By the 19th century, between 400 to 800 nursing schools were opened by the government to enable the graduation of more nurses to serve Americans. This led to the construction of more hospitals that would accommodate all nurses. Furthermore, to empower nurses, the Nurse Registration Act was passed to help nurses get their legal title. These are some of the things that have been done by the government to contribute to the development of the nursing profession.
Role of Third Parties
The government has put in place various third parties in the medical field such as Medicaid and Medicare which have greatly contributed to the growth of hospitals. These parties ensure success in the marketing of hospital services to various clients. Moreover, through their coverage policies and payment rates, they contribute a lot of funds to expanding hospitals for the benefit of all Americans. These parties also contribute to investing resources to manufacture, market, and distribute new technologies to hospitals. Analysts believe that the reimbursement of policies that exist in the U.S. has acted as a positive incentive in the progress of hospitals. These incentives have helped in overcoming barriers in the growth of hospitals and thus leading to development.
Decline in Hospitals
The Great Depression
In the year 1929, the stock market crashed and the succeeding Great Depression led to massive unemployment in the following decade. Approximately, 25% of employees were out of work including nurses. Moreover, the Great Depression contributed to the closure and also threatened various hospitals closing down because of the financial crisis. For instance, between the years 1929 to 1937, a total of 663 hospitals closed down leading to the decline in the number of hospitals in the U.S. Furthermore, the number of hospital beds also decreased after the end of World War II contributing to hospital decline. The Great Depression had a detrimental effect on the hospital because, during this period, there was little construction of hospitals. This was a major factor in contributing to a decline in hospitals.
Reimbursement Lag Further Behind Inflation
Due to the long-term federal and state budget deficit, the reimbursement remains behind inflation. Additionally, there is a failure in expanding the pool of paying patients through reforms. This issue is brought about by the high rates of unemployment which results in few of these patients being covered by various insurances. As such, hospitals are subjected to more bad debt and charity care. Due to this, hospitals have to work on reducing expenses while operating to enable the success of growth in hospitals throughout the nation. This has been a huge problem for a long time because the federal government and the state government have had a hard time agreeing on policies and how to distribute funds to facilitate their growth.
Conclusion
From the discussion above, it is safe to say that the federal government plays an important role in the failure or success of hospitals. As such, Americans must ensure that the elect strong federal leaders who will help in giving clear directions in pursuing common objectives and policies that are consistent to increase growth. If this is effectively done, the healthcare system will be able to develop with little hindrances and also offer quality services to its beneficiaries in the process. As a regulator, the federal government must ensure that it takes full advantage of the unique position that it has in purchasing, providing, and sponsoring healthcare services.