An examination of Catholic health care system's identity messages present on web sites, press releases, and the media

Abstract

Catholic hospitals operate their businesses in a different manner than secular hospitals, or at least claim to; this includes taking a stand on certain social issues and refusing to provide patients with certain treatments that are offered at other hospitals. While this differentiates them from secular hospitals, the health care industry as a whole is undergoing changes in the United States due to economic uncertainty and the recent passing of legislation. This research aims to study the construction of identity as a communication process by analyzing mission, vision, and values statements, press releases and news articles of Catholic health care systems in the United States. Maintaining a cohesive identity across internal and external channels is instrumental in\nremaining sustainable in a changing climate.