Hospitals tackle image problems at many levels.

A recent study of consumer attitudes shows that the public's perception of hospitals is hazy at best, and experts are warning hospitals to take steps to improve hospitals' image. In the following three articles, we examine the challenges facing hospitals in different arenas. First, we take a look at the consumer survey, which identifies the public's misperceptions about hospitals; then we focus on state hospital associations' ongoing efforts to enhance the image of hospitals by educating local lawmakers and consumers. Finally, we look at the American Hospital Association's ambitious new advocacy program to improve the health care community's ability to get its story across to the public and to policy-makers.