Integration
Integration (medicine)
Integration (pronounced: /ɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/) in the context of medicine refers to the coordination of health care services by health care providers for patients. The term is derived from the Latin word 'integrare', which means 'to make whole'.
Overview
Integration in medicine is a complex process that involves the coordination of various health care services, including primary care, specialty care, hospital care, and community-based services. The goal of integration is to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous care that meets the needs of patients and improves health outcomes.
Types of Integration
There are several types of integration in medicine, including:
- Vertical Integration: This involves the coordination of services along the continuum of care, from primary care to tertiary care.
- Horizontal Integration: This involves the coordination of services across the same level of care, such as among different primary care providers.
- Clinical Integration: This involves the coordination of patient care across conditions, providers, settings, and time.
- Financial Integration: This involves the coordination of financial resources to support integrated care.
Benefits of Integration
Integration in medicine can lead to several benefits, including improved patient outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and reduced health care costs. It can also lead to improved communication and collaboration among health care providers.
Challenges of Integration
Despite its benefits, integration in medicine can also present several challenges. These include the complexity of coordinating care across multiple providers and settings, the need for significant changes in organizational structures and processes, and the potential for increased costs in the short term.
See Also
- Health Care System
- Health Care Provider
- Primary Care
- Specialty Care
- Hospital Care
- Community-based Services
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Integration
- Wikipedia's article - Integration
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