What is an integrated healthcare delivery system?

An integrated healthcare delivery system is characterized by a network of healthcare providers working collaboratively to deliver coordinated patient care. This system aims to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes by ensuring that all providers involved in a patient's treatment are communicating and sharing information effectively.

The integration strengthens the patient experience by providing a seamless flow of information and services among various providers, such as hospitals, primary care physicians, specialists, and ancillary services. It fosters a holistic approach to healthcare, where patients can navigate different services without discontinuity, reducing fragmentation of care often seen in traditional healthcare models.

This concept focuses on creating partnerships and interoperability within the healthcare community, allowing for shared goals such as improving patient health, maximizing resource efficiency, and enhancing overall satisfaction with the healthcare process. The emphasis on collaboration among diverse healthcare settings epitomizes what integrated healthcare delivery systems strive to achieve.