A new study published in INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing looks at what skills and supports physicians need to work effectively in an integrated delivery system. The study is co-authored by Joy Lewis, MSW, MPH and Samantha DuPont, MPH, health policy consultants at the Institute for Health Policy at Kaiser Permanente.
As payers demand that U.S health care become more accountable and integrated, existing integrated delivery systems—such as Kaiser Permanente, the Mayo Clinic Health System, and Geisinger Health System—can offer lessons on the day-to-day challenges and opportunities physicians face as their practice environments change. The study conducted focus groups with physicians from the Southern California Permanente Medical Group who had previous experience practicing in less integrated settings and asked about skills, attributes, and attitudes they need to work and succeed in teams within well-integrated, accountable care systems. Results from the study provide key insights and guidance that can help inform a larger policy interest in supporting the movement to improve health care quality and moderate costs through integration of care.
If you want to read the entire study please click here!
