title: Mergers--true integrations.
abstract: This article is the first of a two-part series focusing on clinical consolidation in mergers. While the frequency of hospital mergers is growing at tremendous rates, the actual consolidation of services following mergers is slow. This article will explain why, despite the enormous benefits that can be achieved, clinical consolidation is not tackled. Finally, the resources and key issues for successful clinical consolidation will be shared. Part 2 of this article, which follows in the next issue, will focus on the structure and process for successful clinical consolidation.
authors.affiliation: Coopers and Lybrand Integrated Health Care Consulting Practice, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vigneau
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Smeltzer
mesh_terms: D015510:Clinical Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017046:Cost Savings; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006273:Health Facility Merger / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D018511:Systems Integration; D014481:United States