Patient care: a new independent mission in medical higher education?

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to investigate the role played by Hungarian medical higher education in healthcare provision, with particular reference to three leading rural universities: the University of Debrecen, the University of Pécs, and the University of Szeged. The objective of this study is to ascertain the manner in which the health-related initiatives of these institutions contribute to the enhancement of regional cohesion, the mitigation of territorial inequalities, and the improvement of the quality of life within local communities.

The article is structured in accordance with these objectives. Firstly, the theoretical underpinnings of the research are presented, outlining the evolution of university missions and the growing significance of regional engagement. In the subsequent phase of the study, the focus shifts to governmental higher education and regional development policies, together with the state's approaches to university-based healthcare provision. The following section analyses institutional strategic materials and development plans, enabling the identification of the position of healthcare-related activities within university development strategies. The discussion concludes with key findings concerning the regional significance, institutional embeddedness, and prospective relevance of healthcare as a university function.

The methodology of the study is grounded in systematic document analysis, where by domestic regional development and health policy strategies, as well as institutional development plans, websites, and other strategic materials of the universities concerned, are examined. This methodological approach facilitates a nuanced exploration of the interaction between national policy frameworks and institutional objectives.

The findings indicate that the enhancement of the patient care function can be regarded as a novel strategic opportunity for rural universities. The evidence presented indicates that this function serves to consolidate their regional embeddedness, augment their national significance, and contribute to sustainable regional development. Furthermore, it has been posited that the provision of patient care may be conceptualised as a distinct "fourth mission" of the university. This fourth mission operates partially outside the traditional domains of education, research, and the third mission, yet simultaneously exerts feedback effects upon them by influencing training pathways, research priorities, and community-oriented activities.

The conclusions indicate that the provision of public health services by the examined institutions enhances the accessibility and quality of healthcare in their respective regions. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that such services generate significant multiplier effects on the regional economy, innovation capacity, and human resource development. Moreover, the findings indicate that university-led healthcare provision contributes to long-term territorial resilience, addressing demographic and workforce challenges while strengthening the universities' role as key regional public actors.