ABSTRACT

We probably have to view the concept of integration as scientists view things like black holes and quarks. Actually, they have definitions, but they have never seen either of these phenomena. They surmise what they are by observing factors in the known universe, and then they come up with a theorem that fits the measurements that they think are being caused by the quark (or the black hole or whatever). The same goes for integration in health care. Many moving parts in and around a hospital are either more coordinated or less. One health care system can judge its level of integration (coordination or efficiency?) against another. The friction from inefficiencies can be studied as well. The measures become the focus of discussion rather than the core principles.