What does the term "integrated care" refer to?

The term "integrated care" refers to the coordination of healthcare services across different disciplines, which is essential in delivering comprehensive and holistic care to patients. Integrated care emphasizes the collaboration between various healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, mental health professionals, and social services, ensuring that all aspects of a patient's health are addressed in a cohesive manner. This approach improves patient outcomes by streamlining communication and reducing gaps in care, ultimately leading to more effective treatment plans and a better patient experience.

The other options reflect concepts that do not align with the definition of integrated care. Disjointed services among providers would indicate a lack of coordination, which contradicts the essence of integrated care. Services provided exclusively in hospital settings suggest a limited perspective on healthcare that does not consider the broader continuum of care, which is a key component of integration. Focusing solely on mental health does not encompass the full range of healthcare services involved in integrated care, which includes both physical and mental health aspects. Overall, the concept of integrated care is about enhancing coordination among various healthcare providers to deliver more effective and patient-centered care.