Factors Affecting the Founding and Closure of Small Hospitals in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Jung-Hua Liu, 劉容華
• Other Authors: Tung-liang Chiang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1999
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/28023062291692413106

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 衛生政策與管理研究所 === 87 === Factors Affecting the Founding and Closure of Small Hospitals in Taiwan Abstract Jung-Hua Liu During the last decade, the hospital industry in Taiwan has experienced rapid and turbulent change in socio-economic environment and medical ecology. The study aims to present the trend of hospital founding and closure in Taiwan between 1987-1997, and to examine the factors affecting the founding and closure of hospitals with less than 100 beds. Data for the analysis came from the "Hospital Medical Care Organization Survey in Taiwan Area" which were collected annually by the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, and "Taiwan-Fukien Demographic Fact Book" published annually by the Ministry of the Interior. The results of this study show that: 1. From 1987 to 1997, the total number of hospitals decreased from 907 to 748 in Taiwan. During the same period, there were 378 hospitals closed and 207 new hospitals opened. For acute hospitals with less then 100 beds, the closing rate was 55.6% and the opening rate was 35.1% in Taiwan. 2. Between 1987-1992, the founding and closure of a hospital was only associated with its characteristics including ownership, type and bed size, while the impact of market forces on hospital founding and closure were not significant. However, between 1992-1997, both hospital characteristics and market factors did significantly bear on hospital founding and closure. Based on the above findings, this study further discussed the implications for health policy and future research.