Question

What does the future of Integrated Delivery Systems look like?

How big is too big?

What is going to be the role of telemedicine/virtual doctor visits/etc?

Answer 1

US health policy

• the belief that a higher level of integration yields an efficient healthcare delivery system
• provides patient-centric care, and, higher quality care at lower costs.
• Integrated healthcare delivery may be an organized structure managed by a financial group; or, a healthcare delivery system that has a synchronized functioning, and, coordinates care.

Technology

Integrated Delivery Systems

• Integrated delivery system - network of healthcare organizations
• Remote treatment, and, diagnosis of patients using telecommunications technology.
• Healthcare providers can treat patients without an in-person visit.
• It includes real-time medical consultations, and, clinical services provided using telecommunications infrastructure.
• It can improve access to medical services not available in distant rural communities.

Telemedicine in Healthcare Delivery System

WHO is using Telemedicine for Integrated Health Service Delivery. WHO asks members to capitalize on the potential of ICT. National agencies coordinate eHealth initiatives, and, telemedicine for these to be cost-effective, and, be funded as a part of an integrated health service delivery.

Barriers, and, recommendations