The Care of Strangers: The Rise of America's Hospital System

Looks at the ways American hospitals have changed since the nineteenth century, and discusses medical education, and hospital administration

As hospitals are now an intrinsic part of health-care delivery, the information in Rosenberg's well-researched , carefully documented book may astonish readers. It traces the modern hospital from its origins in the 19th-century almshouse to the post-World War I period , when the hospital achieved status as an institution for the middle and upper classes. More narrowly focused than Paul Starr's Social Transformation of American Medicine ( LJ 11/1/82), The Care of Strangers emphasizes improved standards for training health professionals and accelerated technological developments as the factors that gave hospitals recognition. Engrossing for general and informed readers. Best Hospitals in America could almost be described as a Michelin Guide. The authors have selected more than 60 outstanding hospitals nationwide and have provided a thumbnail sketch of each facility. They include a statistical profile, a list of nationally known specialists on staff, specialty areas, research interests, and information on admissions policies and charges. They do outline criteria for selection, but have omitted a number of noteworthy institutions. Nonetheless, the sophisticated (and affluent) patient can use this guide to identify the institution best suited to his or her needs anywhere in the country.Carol R. Glatt, N.J. Bioethics Commission, Trenton
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.