ABSTRACT
This chapter sketches the evolution of the hospital administrator's role, and indicates some of the directions it may take. It examines the changing relationship between the different groups responsible for the administration of the hospital, and notes a number of the more crucial factors influencing the changes in these relationships. The chapter provides suggestions regarding the import of the developments for the general administration of hospitals. The major result of the historical trends has been the expansion and increasing professionalization of the hospital administrator's role. Professionally trained administrators have risen to positions of influence in hospitals and elsewhere and are making a significant impact on the institutions in which they are employed and on the health field in general. The solutions adopted in any one health system will benefit from a comparative approach that will draw on the experiences of all nations in administering their health services.
