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Towards a more efficient healthcare system: Opportunities and challenges caused by hospital closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic

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  • Soroush Saghafian

    (Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University
    Harvard Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University
    Harvard Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women Hospital, Harvard University
    Harvard University)

  • Lina D. Song

    (University College London School of Management)

  • Ali S. Raja

    (Massachusetts General Hospital
    Harvard University)

Abstract

A substantial number of United States (U.S.) hospitals have closed in recent years. The trend of closures has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as hospitals have experienced financial hardship from reduced patient volume and elective surgery cases, as well as the thin financial margins for treating patients with COVID-19. This trend of hospital closures is concerning for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. In this current opinion piece, we first describe the challenges caused by hospital closures and discuss what policymakers should know based on the existing research. We then discuss unique opportunities for researchers to inform policymakers by conducting careful studies that can shed light on different implications, trade-offs, and consequences of various strategies that can be followed.

Suggested Citation

  • Soroush Saghafian & Lina D. Song & Ali S. Raja, 2022. "Towards a more efficient healthcare system: Opportunities and challenges caused by hospital closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic," Health Care Management Science, Springer, vol. 25(2), pages 187-190, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:hcarem:v:25:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10729-022-09591-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10729-022-09591-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Soroush Saghafian & Wallace J. Hopp, 2020. "Can Public Reporting Cure Healthcare? The Role of Quality Transparency in Improving Patient–Provider Alignment," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 68(1), pages 71-92, January.
    2. Kritee Gujral & Anirban Basu, 2019. "Impact of Rural and Urban Hospital Closures on Inpatient Mortality," NBER Working Papers 26182, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Capps, Cory & Dranove, David & Lindrooth, Richard C., 2010. "Hospital closure and economic efficiency," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 87-109, January.
    4. Buchmueller, Thomas C. & Jacobson, Mireille & Wold, Cheryl, 2006. "How far to the hospital?: The effect of hospital closures on access to care," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 740-761, July.
    5. Rogelio Oliva & John D. Sterman, 2001. "Cutting Corners and Working Overtime: Quality Erosion in the Service Industry," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 47(7), pages 894-914, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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