Hospitals: What They Are and How They Work

Get an Inside Look at the Modern Hospital Hospitals: What They Are and How They Work, Fourth Edition, guides healthcare students through the inner workings of one of today s most complex organizations: the modern acute-care hospital. From a history of hospitals and health care; to an explanation of the roles of management, physicians, nurses, and staff; to administrative and financial services, this essential text walks readers through every facet of the hospital organization. Today s hospital is an exercise in integrative care, interweaving multiple disciplines to deliver superior patient care. Hospitals: What They Are and How They Work, Fourth Edition, explores the vital collaboration between healthcare providers and diverse practices including clinical laboratory science, pharmacy, physical therapy, and social services, while evaluating the relationship of quality, efficiency, and cost. In this revised edition, new contributing experts augment each chapter with new material on subjects including hospital finance, medical records, nursing, and more.