Skip to main content

Table 5 Definitions of concepts in the integration mindsets framework

From: A cognitive perspective on health systems integration: results of a Canadian Delphi study

Term

Definition

Strategy Mental Model – Knowledge Content

Targets

functions, services, organizations and/or systems identified for integration

External clients

characteristics and needs of the populations, patients and/or caregivers who will benefit from integration, and the nature of that benefit

Goals

primary aims of integration, which may be related to costs, efficiency, productivity, quality of care, patient safety and/or patient outcomes

Long-term vision

how the services, programs or functions, organizations and/or systems will “look” or operate when fully integrated

Methods

approaches and enablers for achieving integration – which may be clinical, technological, patient or caregiver-centered, administrative, financial, organizational, governance and/or policy-related – and timeline for implementation

Evaluation

key performance dimensions and indicators for assessment of the integration initiative

Strategy Mental Model – Beliefs\Perceptions Content

Consequences of integrating

the expected outcomes (positive and/or negative) of integration for one’s self, for other participating individuals and organizations, for external clients, and for the healthcare system

Appropriateness of selected strategy

the extent of agreement with the selected targets, clients, goals, long-term vision, methods and evaluation approach for an integration initiative

Integrity of decision-making processes

the extent to which decisions regarding integration are made in a manner that is equitable and transparent

Readiness for change

the ability and willingness to implement the desired integration initiative

Relationships Mental Model – Knowledge Content

Competencies

the knowledge and skill sets of each team member1

Contributions

how each team member contributes to patient health and well-being

Accountabilities

the activities and results that team members are individually or jointly responsible for

Interdependencies

how and to what extent the work of each team member depends on or is influenced by another

Communication

sources of information and how information flows between team members, including frequency and methods for contact

Relationships Mental Model – Beliefs\Perceptions Content

Appropriateness of role structure

the extent of agreement with the content and distribution of roles, including relative accountabilities and communication methods

Identification with the integration initiative

the extent of self-association with the integration initiative (i.e. the team, partnership, network, etc.) in addition to one’s professional group and organization

Recognition of shared responsibility

a willingness to share the burden of work and act as a team to contribute to the integration process and/or to the delivery of integrated care

Importance of client involvement

the extent to which the involvement of patients and their caregivers is considered necessary and beneficial to integration efforts

  1. 1The term “team member” is used broadly to refer to individuals, organizations, and patients/caregivers participating in the integration initiative; the composition of the team will depend on the nature and level of the integration activity. These teams typically span professional and organizational boundaries, may be focused on governance, management or patient care, and may be formal or informal and ad hoc/intermittent or fixed.