Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

7-27-1976

Abstract

This study has been carried out to (1) ascertain the role of the "caring function" in the treatment of consumer pathology by existing health care delivery systems, (2) to determine the organizational issues deterrent to the delivery of such "care" and any related inhibitory influences on successful treatment, and (3) to examine methods of congenializing any dichotomies found to exist. An introduction to the problem presents a history of the development of the health care system in the United States, focusing upon the vast changes within the past 50 years and upon theories advanced by members of the health care delivery systems as they endeavor to analyze national trends and needs and to evaluate socioemotional aspects of medical treatment. The ramifications of consumer dissatisfaction resulting from the problems connected with lack of professional compassion and with the equality or inequality of care are closely perused, along with the growing concern of society and government with these facets of health care. The peculiarities of the doctor-patient relationship are examined, and the individual needs of both parties in the contract. When the "caring function" is absent, dissatisfaction and resentment from the consumer and/or his intimates often results in retributive action which may range simply from "not taking his pills" upward to malpractice suits. There is an inherent difficulty in modern organizations supplying compassionate socioemotional contact. On the one hand is the organization and its nature, on the other the individual person (consumer) and his needs. Organizational and administrative problems which contribute to the lack of caring are examined, including such trends as specialization within the health professions, and the growing conflicting roles of doctors and administrators within the hospitals. Contingencies which cause specific organizational problems within the health care field and which are not common to other organizations are described. While the tenet of organizational resistance to change is applicable to the health care delivery system, growing awareness of the threat of legal and federal encroachment has made the infrastructure amenable to proposals to “humanize” health care delivery organizations. Proposals designed to ameliorate the conflict between organizational administration and the individual health consumer are submitted, along with recommendations for further research in this field.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Donald Winston Smithburg

Second Committee Member

Leonard Arnold Stitelman

Third Committee Member

Max D. Bennett

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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