What is meant by "clinical integration" in healthcare?

Clinical integration refers to the process of coordinating care among healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive comprehensive and continuous care across different settings and providers. This involves the collaboration and communication between various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, specialists, and other staff members, to minimize gaps in care and improve patient outcomes.

By effectively coordinating care, clinical integration helps to streamline patient management, avoid duplication of services, and deliver high-quality care that is both efficient and patient-centered. This approach often utilizes shared information systems, clinical pathways, and joint treatment protocols to facilitate better decision-making and care continuity. Ultimately, clinical integration aims to enhance the overall patient experience and achieve better health outcomes by promoting teamwork among healthcare providers.