Integrated health systems
Introduction
Integrated Health Systems refer to a network of different organizations that through formal agreements or ownership, horizontally and vertically aligns health care services, programs or facilities to provide coordinated continuums of healthcare to a specified population. The network is willing to be held fiscally and clinically accountable for the health status and outcomes of the population served. There is a rising interest in establishing firms that are accountable. They can deliver health care at high quality while still keeping costs low. Currently, most decisions relating to quality and spending are made separately. This creates a very antagonistic relationship. In general, integrated health systems promote different aspects of health care. This report aims to explain about integrated health systems and what makes them unique about historical models.
Continuing cost of inflation, service demand, and staff shortages have intensified the call for more efficient and effective use of scant resources through integrated service delivery models. Across the globe, integrated health systems are considered to provide greater performance regarding safety and quality as a result of standardized protocols and effective communication. One of the health systems in the US that are operating as an integrated health system is the Banner Health (Phoenix). It is one of the largest non-profit making health systems in America. In total, it has 22 hospitals across the nation with 11 hospitals located in Arizona and the rest in six other states in the Country. Thomson Reuters named it as the tenth most integrated health systems in the US in 2010.
Key components of integrated health systems
The first element that the IHS of Banner Health (Phoenix) has is comprehensive services of health across the continuum of care. The system has a broad scope of the health and related clinical services covered. The system assumes the responsibility to plan for, purchase/provide and coordinate all major services all along the continuum of health. This includes primary and tertiary care, as well as cooperation between social and health care organizations. The second key component is the patient focus. The main aim of integrated health systems is to meet patient needs rather that the health provider’s needs. The organization's patient focus is reflected by assessing population needs that drive information management, service planning and the motivation to redesign internal processes with the sole purpose of improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Services offered by the hospitals demonstrate market responsiveness and sensitivity to changing needs of the entire population. The system ensures that patients receive the right care at the right time and the right place.
Another key element demonstrated by the integrated health system is performance management. The system depends on well-developed performance monitoring systems that have indicators to measure several outcomes at different levels. Performance management has a structured approach to the analysis of issues on performance and ways in which they may be addressed. Some procedures and protocols reflect the importance of measuring outcomes and care processes and using that information for service improvement. The focus is put on cost effectiveness. Continuous measurement and reporting of care outcomes are important parts of improving quality.
Information systems are another key component of Banner Health (Phoenix) as an integrated system. It has state-of-the-art computerized information systems. They allow data management as well as effective tracking of outcomes and utilization. Integrated health systems require the installation of quality information systems that enhance information flow and effective communication capacity across integrated pathways. Electronic medical records link providers, payers, and consumers across the continuum of care. They also provide stakeholders with relevant information. It is important that information can be accessed from any point in the health system, including remote locations. The system also allows system-wide patient scheduling and registration coordination, and management of clinical data.
Physician integration is another important part of integrated health systems. Physicians are integrated all levels of the health system, and play leadership roles in designing, implementation of an integrated system. Taking advantage of informal linkages, existing networks, and a strong patient focus is some of the major ways of facilitating physician integration. By ensuring recruitment and retention of physicians through financial incentives and compensation mechanisms the organization can improve the quality of life.
Strengths of integrated health systems
The first strength is that they focus on attaining the populations’ health needs; integrated health systems make sure that patients have equal access to quality and timely health care. Secondly, integrated health systems can coordinate as well as integrate healthcare across the continuum. Another advantage is that they have information systems that link different service providers, payers, and patients across the continuum. Integrated health systems also use organizational structure and financial incentives to align management, governance, physicians and other health caregivers in support of attaining shared objectives.
Weaknesses of Integrated health systems
Various challenges are encountered by integrated health systems. First of all, there is an increased cost before they provide savings. Ways in which services are funded should be a major consideration for integrated models. It can be quite expensive when starting and installing information systems that works efficiently across the system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we see that access to health is a fundamental right to all. Different national and international conventions have been put in place to achieve this goal. Technology has revolutionized the health sector through the introduction of integrated health systems. The systems are here to stay as they have improved the efficiency and quality of healthcare given. They focus on meeting the needs of the population and have information systems that link payers, providers and patients across the continuum.
