What can be a consequence of poor clinical integration?

Poor clinical integration can lead to increased fragmentation of care, which negatively impacts the overall healthcare delivery system. When clinical integration is lacking, different providers may not effectively communicate or collaborate with one another, resulting in disjointed patient care. This fragmentation can manifest in several ways, such as inconsistent treatment protocols, duplicate tests, and a lack of coordinated follow-up. As a result, patients may receive conflicting information or experience gaps in their treatment, which can lead to confusion, decreased adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately poorer health outcomes.

In contrast, improved clinical integration fosters better communication among healthcare providers, streamlining patient care and ensuring that all aspects of a patient's health are managed cohesively. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving holistic care, enhancing quality, and preventing the adverse effects associated with fragmented services.