Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Delivery of Health Care, Integrated

Integrated delivery of healthcare refers to a system of healthcare in which different providers and services work together to provide comprehensive, coordinated care to patients. This approach aims to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare by better aligning the various components of the healthcare system.

An integrated delivery of healthcare can be achieved through a variety of models, such as:

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): These organizations bring together primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other providers to coordinate and manage the care of a specific patient population.

Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs): These models of care focus on providing coordinated, team-based care that is centered around the needs and preferences of the patient.

Integrated Behavioral Health: This approach integrates mental health and substance abuse treatment into primary care.

Telemedicine: This approach allows healthcare professionals to provide medical consultations, diagnostic and treatment services remotely, through the use of videoconferencing and other technologies.

Health Information Exchange (HIE): This approach allows healthcare providers to share patient’s electronic health records (EHRs) in real-time, ensuring continuity of care across different settings and providers.

Integrated delivery of healthcare can improve the overall patient experience and health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system by reducing unnecessary duplication of services, and better coordinating care.