Reconfiguration of acute care hospitals in post-socialist Serbia: spatial distribution of hospital beds

Abstract

In the context of healthcare reforms in post-socialist Serbia, this research analyses the reconfiguration of acute care hospitals from the aspect of the spatial distribution of hospital beds among and within state-owned hospitals. The research builds a relationship between the macro or national level and the micro or hospital level of the spatial distribution of hospital beds. The aim of the study is to point out that a high level of efficiency in hospital functionality is difficult to achieve within the current hospital network and architectural-urban patterns of hospitals, and to draw attention to the necessity of a strategically planned hospital spatial reconfiguration, conducted simultaneously with other segments of the healthcare system reform. The research analyses published and unpublished data presented in tables and diagrams. The theoretical platform of the research covers earlier discussions of the Yugoslav healthcare system, its post-socialist reforms and the experiences of developed countries. The results show that the hospital bed distribution has not undergone significant changes, while the hospital spatial reconfiguration has either not been carried out at all or, if it has, only on a small scale. All this has contributed to overall inadequate, inflexible, inefficient, defragmented and unequal bed distribution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Does the agglomeration effect occur in the hospital sector? The impact of agglomeration economies on the financial performance of hospitals—An evidence from Poland

“…There are proofs that the increased distance to the nearest hospital is associated with the increased number of deaths from heart attacks and unintentional injuries . Spatial distributions of hospitals providing a proper access to healthcare and taking into consideration population needs should be carefully and strategically planned …”

“…7 Spatial distributions of hospitals providing a proper access to healthcare and taking into consideration population needs should be carefully and strategically planned. 29 Despite the fact that generally patients may prefer to be treated in local hospitals, the flow of patients between different locations exists. The study conducted by Munn and Padgett, 2 taking into account some aspects of agglomeration economy, is aimed at presenting the hospital sector as an exporting industry.…”