The transitions of the Taiwan provincial hospital - A survey of high ranking officials

Objectives: This study used Kaluzny's transition theory to analyze transitions in Taiwan's Provincial Hospital in order to determine medical, legal and historical implications. Methods: A survey of high ranking officials was performed to obtain data concerning their attitudes toward these transitions. The study surveyed high ranking officials at provincial medical organizations throughout Taiwan using a questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed from October to November 1998 at the Provincial Department of Health's "Provincial Hospital Management Plan" seminar. Results: The results of the study indicate that the preferred modes of transition were: 1) Change within the existing system, with the government continuing to provide budgetary assistance; 2) Transition which promoted internal change first in order to reach self-sufficiency, with the aim of further transition to status as a public hospital corporation at a suitable later date. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that change to an internal system model should be the first priority for most provincial hospitals. If a relaxation of legal ties fails to solve transition-related problems, then direct reorganization should be considered. This would involve changing the status of the hospital to a corporate entity.