What about the Patient?

Abstract

The July 18, 1985, issue of the Journal contains five interesting articles^{1 2 3 4 5} dealing with the plight of teaching hospitals and with the implications of their sale to proprietary or for-profit entities. Reflecting the rapid changes taking place in our hospitals, the articles discuss such topics as access to capital, earnings growth, conflict management, and risk sharing. It is disconcerting to note, however, that they do not address the possible effects of these changes on the adequacy of care given to the patient. These articles are not unusual; instead, they typify an apparent general lack of concern for the effects that . . .