Rural Hospital Strategic Management and Viability: A Research Summary

摘要

This study examines the frequency, correlates, and financial consequences ofadoption of strategic activities in a national sample of 797 U.S. rural hospitals during the period 1983-1988. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including multivariable models, were performed on data from telephone interviews with rural hospital administrators, Area Resource Files, Medicare cost reports, and the American Hosptial Association. Findings revealed (1) less than expected strategic activity in rural hospitals, (2) low predictive capacity of rural hospitals engaged in strategic adoption using models containing market-environment, geographic region, and hospital characteristics, as well as administrator characteristics, (3) weak impact of strategic activity on financial performance, controlling for a variety of factors. Findings are discussed in the context of a national 'strategic management policy' for rural hospitals.