Hospital and Community: Studies in External Relationships of the Administrator

Abstract

The modern community general hospital is changing rapidly. From an introverted institution passively receiving patients as an extension of the physicians' clinical practices, it has become a complex organization actively engaged in patient care, education in the health professions, medical and scientific research, and numerous community health services. Perforce it has adopted many postures toward the publics it serves: a patient-care institution, a business establishment, an educational enterprise, a social system, and often an arm of religion or government. Increasingly it is involved in the economic and legal systems of our society. The role of the chief administrative officer has necessarily grown more complex and demanding. He must understand the ethics of the medical profession; he must be a sound businessman and manager, a practitioner of public relations, and a good speaker. He must have a working knowledge of the grantawarding agencies, of the requirements of accrediting bodies, and of