Ten key principles for successful health systems integration.
Integrated health systems are considered part of the solution to the challenge of sustaining Canada's healthcare system. This systematic literature review was undertaken to guide decision-makers and others to plan for and implement integrated health systems. This review identified 10 universal principles of successfully integrated healthcare systems that may be used by decision-makers to assist with integration efforts. These principles define key areas for restructuring and allow organizational flexibility and adaptation to local context. The literature does not contain a one-size-fits-all model or process for successful integration, nor is there a firm empirical foundation for specific integration strategies and processes.
Suter
Esther
E
Health Systems and Workforce Research Unit, Alberta Health Services, Calgary Health Region. esther.suter@albertahealthservices.ca
Oelke
Nelly D
ND
Adair
Carol E
CE
Armitage
Gail D
GD
D002170:Canada; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018511:Systems Integration