BHA-FPX4002_Nunnally_Taylor_Assessment1-Attempt1

1 Evolution of the Hospital Industry: A Comparative Analysis Taylor Nunnally Capella University BHA-FPX4002: History of the United States Health Care System Instructor: Chanadra Whiting May 14, 2023

2 Evolution of the Hospital Industry: A Comparative Analysis The hospital industry has shown a steady increase in knowledge along with dramatic changes over the course of three centuries. Hospitals have made noticeable improvements in their environment, medical staff education, level of care, and payment of care while paving a way for a promising holistic future. In this paper, we will look back at the evolution of hospital care from the 1800s, 1960s, and 2000s while keeping those improvement categories in mind. Hospital Care Evolution When a person steps into a hospital today compared to the 1800s or even the 1900s, they would experience a whole different environment and level of care. That individual would also notice a change in medical staff education and patient payment arrangements. In hindsight, that person would receive better quality of care and more assistance than before due to a positive impact of healthcare evolution. Hospital Environment In the 1800s, hospitals were “still dirty, unventilated, and contaminated with infections” (Young, 2018, p.72). They were said to be overcrowded and steered clear of by individuals who could obtain home medical care. Although, there was slight improvement toward separation of patients whether sick or mentally ill, it was mainly to isolate them from the outside world and even visitation to hospitals was restricted. By the 1960’s, hospitals became more diligent of cross-contamination between patients and implementing HIPPA to promote rights of the patient and their privacy. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that hospitals improved ventilation in the rooms, created more division among patients based on scientific needs, and truly adjusted their visitor policy to what we experience today. (Young, 2018). Staff Education

4 expectancy from birth had increased due to ever-occurring healthcare research being conducted. (Jones et al., 2020). Throughout the 2000s, the level of care for patients improved significantly due to the quality of reporting programs being implemented and updated. Also, the adoption of health information technology and exchange aided in better continuation of care. (Young, 2018). Not to mention the significant knowledge that was conducted and executed from the Human Genome Project of 2003. (PBS, n.d.). Paying for Your Care In the 1800s, hospital finance ran on charity, public responsibility and assistance from religious communities. It wasn’t until 1965 that the Social Security Act amendment helped Medicare sign into law to provide federal health insurance for the elderly and poor. Soon after that the Health Maintenance Organization Act was implemented to require employers with traditional health plans to also provide an HMO to their employees. Therefore, having employers help with the cost of medical expenses when needed. During the 2000s, we saw the most improvement with assistance with medical expenses. Medicare extended provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhanced low-income benefit programs and maintained access to care in rural areas. Finally, in 2010, the Affordable Health Care Act was enforced which provided major revisions to the health care industry. It prevented health issuers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, improved Medicare prescription coverage, and allowed options for more affordable monthly insurance cost. (Young, 2018.) Comparative Analysis As described above, the hospital healthcare system has improved in many areas. This is important because it has an impact on the care we receive today as well as means for the

5 expenses of medical care. For example, one study that goes over the mortality rates of both female and males from 1900s up to 2010 stated, “Both sexes gained greater than 30 years of life expectancy during the century” (Jones, 2020, p.160). Furthermore, options for accelerated medical school programs offer individualized training, flexibility, and opportunity for students to take advantage of academic medical research or dual degree programs. Also, it further helps physician shortages. (Schwartz et al., 2018). Conclusion Overall, a significant improvement has been made in hospital environment, medical staff education, level of care, and paying for medical care from 1800s to 1960s to 2000s. The knowledge that we have today in medical research is astonishing and, without a doubt, it aids in a patient's quality of life. Personally, I find this to be vital for my line of work at Riverside Regional Medical Center. I admire and cherish the education from evolutionary hospital medical care. Not to mention, the continuation of research in medical sciences. This way we can truly take care of people to the best of our ability based off scientific knowledge.

7 Appendix Comparative Analysis Table: Hospital Care Evolution Subject/Topic 1800s 1960s 2000s Hospital Environment (Describe the overall hospital environment.)  Dirty, unventilated, contaminated with infection, overcrowded.  Home health still preferred.  Separation of sick and mental, mainly isolation (Young, 2018).  More diligent of cross- contamination  HIPPA was created to promote confidentiality. (Young, 2018).  Improved ventilation in patient rooms  More division based on needs.  Visitation improved. (Young, 2018). Medical Staff Education Level (Describe the care providers and their education levels.)  Small, for-profit non-university with non- standardized curricula & education goals  AMA was established. (Young,2018).  3-year programs increased due to federal funding, 2 nd decline  Funding improved studies& loans. (Schwartz et al., 2018).  2010 “third wave” of 3- year accelerated medical programs  medical education curriculum redesigned. (Schwartz et al., 2018).