Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Health Administration

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Jillian Harvey

Second Advisor

Dunc Williams

Third Advisor

Alan Kent

Abstract

Few studies have explored strategies rural hospitals have implemented to lower the risk of financial distress and closure. The objective of this doctoral project is to explore factors rural hospital stakeholders consider when determining the most appropriate business model for their organization. A multiple case study design was utilized to explore key factors considered in the decision-making processes at three rural hospitals in the southeastern Unites States with varying business models and characteristics. Nine rural hospital stakeholders including administrators, clinician, and community leaders participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive coding process. Seven themes emerged: 1) Align hospital with community needs, 2) Rightsize services to address community needs, 3) Leverage collaboration and partnership, 4) Access to financial resources, 5) Leadership and governance, 6) Community awareness and engagement, and 7) Challenges with recruiting healthcare professionals. Findings suggest when determining the most appropriate business model to implement, rural hospital stakeholders should identify the specific needs of their surrounding community and redesign services to meet the needs while leveraging resources within and outside the community. Additionally, stakeholders should assess leadership and governance competencies and determine how to engage the community as active partners in the decision-making process.

Rights

All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.

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