Longitudinal Trends and Characteristics of Hospital Closures and Openings.

Hospital closures and openings from 2010-2025 resulted in net changes in hospital numbers and beds, with shifts in proximity to the nearest hospital.

• Why it matters: Understanding these trends is crucial for healthcare planning and access, as hospital closures can impact patient care and health outcomes.
• What they did: The study analyzed data on hospital closures and openings over 15 years, focusing on factors linked to these events and changes in distance to the nearest hospital after closures.
• The result: Findings reveal patterns in hospital dynamics and geographic shifts, which may inform policy decisions to improve healthcare accessibility and resource allocation.