As an emerging multi-functional medical institution, small hospitals have the advantage of “fast treatment and zero waiting time” and are on the rise, attracting more attention and investment.
I. Current Development Status
Small hospitals can be divided into two main categories: independent small hospitals, which are usually managed and operated by a single medical institution, providing more refined and customized services to patients, and hospitals opened by large hospitals as branch institutions, which are usually located in commercial districts, shopping centers, and communities. They cover an area of 3-7 acres around the area and have high visibility and accessibility, aiming to solve the problem of insufficient medical services for surrounding residents. For example, CHI St. Luke’s Springwoods Village hospital, as part of the community planning, has become an all-in-one medical services store, including primary care services and many specialty and dental services. In this model, large hospitals can use the resources of small hospitals to improve service levels, relieve pressure on medical resources, and reduce the cost of medical services.
II. Development Trends
In terms of development trends, small hospitals are showing the following characteristics
Specialization. Small hospitals usually position and develop according to local medical needs and characteristics, focusing on one or several fields, such as clinical departments and auxiliary examination departments, etc. They can focus more on certain professional fields, invest more energy and resources in in-depth development and improvement, and thus have a deeper specialization in professional fields.
Digitalization. In practical applications, small hospitals can carry out digital management of the diagnosis and treatment process through a networked information system, improving the efficiency of medical services. At the same time, hospitals can also rely on Internet platforms to carry out online consultation, remote reading, and other services, making patients enjoy more convenient and fast medical services. In addition, through information technology, small hospitals can improve the quality of medical services in medical resource sharing, medical knowledge management, and other aspects.
Intelligence. Small hospitals can use artificial intelligence technology to analyze and process medical data, providing auxiliary support for medical diagnosis. Through the Internet of Things technology, medical equipment can be connected to the Internet to achieve information sharing and interaction between devices, making device operation more intelligent and efficient. Small hospitals can use technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to realize the intelligent management of medical equipment, improve the intelligence level of medical services, and improve the quality and efficiency of medical services.
III. Challenges
Talent. Small hospitals have relatively high requirements for medical talents, but the talent market is relatively tight, which poses certain difficulties for the development of small hospitals.
Legal Issues. The status and norms of small hospitals in the legal system are not yet perfect, and they need the support and protection of relevant laws and regulations.
Safety Issues. The medical equipment and personnel configuration of small hospitals are relatively simple, and there are significant safety risks. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen safety management and supervision.
In summary, as an emerging medical institution, small hospitals have the advantages of convenience, efficiency, specialization, digital management, and intelligent services, and have broad applications and good development prospects. However, small hospitals also face challenges in talent, legal, and safety aspects. Therefore, to make small hospitals play a greater role, government, enterprises, and all sectors of society need to work together to strengthen management and supervision and promote the healthy development of small hospitals.
