Care Coordination & Integration

In order to have an effective healthcare system that is patient centered, care coordination is inherent. This involves significant communication between health professionals, to ensure that quality care is consistently provided to patients. In addition, as care teams strive to make primary care the center for all of a patient’s general needs, further integration may be necessary. With primary care serving as the “hub” for most patients, incorporating facets of other fields is not only plausible but an obvious next step for better coordination. 

 

The PCC has consistently acknowledged the need for an increase in care coordination, and further integration of other fields, such as oral health and behavioral health. The PCC has shown a commitment to further primary care integration by creating the Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Workgroup and participating in grants centered around increasing the visibility of oral health in the primary care space. 

Resources

New England Journal of Medicine | June 2015
Qualis Health | , National Interprofessional Initiative on Oral Health | June 2015
American Journal of Managed Care | June 2015
This study researched primary care teams and their impact on care transitions. It found that practices with strong physician leadership had improved team functioning in care transitions. Conclusions of the study suggested that healthcare reform efforts that emphasize integrated care teams will lead to enhanced teamwork and improved transitions, which will help to achieve the quadruple aim.
Citizens Research Council of Michigan | June 2015
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