Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Mentor
Angelina Smith
Abstract
In this thesis paper the concept of healthcare consolidation is discussed. The distinctions between small and large healthcare organizations’ structures and functions are explained first. Knowing the distinction between how the different sized healthcare organization’s function will give a better understanding to how consolidation occurs in the facilities. The benefits and challenges that small and large healthcare organizations offer is discussed next. After setting an understanding of the differences in healthcare organizations based on size this paper gives a definition of consolidation, and the forms used in healthcare organizations. It discusses vertical, horizontal consolidation, mergers, and acquisitions. Then the paper goes into why healthcare organizations consolidate and the trends of healthcare facilities consolidating. After understanding consolidation, it is explained that there are different benefits and challenges it can cause for patients, employees, the organization, and state regulations. After those effects are discussed, the paper looks at a study conducted to determine if quality of patient care declines after a healthcare facility has consolidated. Then specific examples of healthcare consolidation that occurred in 2021 are discussed. This paper keeps a neutral opinion not claiming that healthcare consolidation is either good or bad. it does give both benefits and challenges of consolidation and explains all the factors that contribute to healthcare consolidation.
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Citation Information
McDonald, Kaydence N., "Healthcare Consolidation: Effects on Corporate and Private Healthcare Facilities" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 71.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/undergrad-honors/71