He dreaded visiting this particular community hospital because the after-hours system for visits by clergy members was severely deficient. Perhaps this hospital's visitation policy had been re-designed to correct a security hazard, or to optimize staff efficiency. Whatever the intention, the effect was to discourage visitors who were coming to raise the spirits of the patients. Mission and vision statements, which are standard in most healthcare organizations, are filled with lofty ideals. Those professionals closest to the patients, the nurses and doctors, are demoralized by healthcare that is so centered on business concerns that it sometimes appears to be devoid of humanitarianism and compassion.
Patients are fearful.
They don't trust today's hospitals and healthcare systems. Corporatization of healthcare was supposed to bring greater efficiency, higher standards, and better management solutions to our fragmented healthcare system. As a result, administrators feel disempowered and confused about their mission and their priorities. Healthcare institutions are increasingly subject to arbitrary corporate decisions that have seemingly little relevance to their primary mission of serving patients. Despite the fear and concern about healthcare, opportunity exists.