What was the primary goal of the Hospital Standardization Program established in 1918?

The primary goal of the Hospital Standardization Program established in 1918 was to establish minimum quality standards for hospitals. This initiative aimed to improve the overall quality of care provided in hospitals across the United States. By setting these standards, the program sought to ensure that all patients received a certain level of care, regardless of the institution's location or size.

This focus on establishing quality standards was crucial during a time when there was significant variability in hospital practices, conditions, and what constituted acceptable care. The introduction of quality standards led to improvements in patient safety, operational efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

In contrast, while training physicians and nurses and standardizing medical curricula are important aspects of healthcare education, they were not the primary aim of the Hospital Standardization Program. The program also did not set out to close substandard hospitals directly; rather, its intent was to improve their standards and practices to enhance patient outcomes.