title: Ten key principles for successful health systems integration.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Health Systems and Workforce Research Unit, Alberta Health Services, Calgary Health Region. esther.suter@albertahealthservices.ca
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Suter
authors.forename: Nelly D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Oelke
authors.forename: Carol E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Adair
authors.forename: Gail D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Armitage
mesh_terms: 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