Hospitals: What They Are and How They Work

Hospitals are among the most complex of organizations. Highly skilled professionals, state of the art technology, life and death decision making and a tangled world of myriad regulations and legal pitfalls all come together in this dynamic, unique entity that is, generally, poorly understood. Hospitals: What They Are and How They Work, Third Edition walks you through every department in a hospital, detailing its function and its relationship to other departments. The roles and functions of the governing body, medical staff, support and ancillary services are thoroughly explained. This third edition contains new chapters that cover most recent developments in regulatory areas, technology and management practices. Updated information includes coverage of HIPAA and its impact on operations, three new chapters covering patient safety, bioethics, and international opportunities. This revised text also includes ten case studies that prompt team assignments and in-depth discussion.