Latest news with #integratedcare
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Hidden Cost Of Fragmented Care—And Why Integrated Care Is The Cure
Dr. Michele Nealon, President of The Chicago School. In a healthcare system built on specialization, doctors often treat patients like a collection of symptoms rather than as whole people. A cardiologist manages blood pressure. A therapist addresses stress and anxiety. A physical therapist focuses on mobility. But rarely do these professionals share notes to treat their patients, let alone invest in a shared approach to complete care. The decentralization of care isn't just challenging for patients to navigate—it can also lead to significant financial and health costs. When Systems Don't Talk, Patients Suffer Consider the millions of Americans living with both chronic physical illnesses and behavioral health conditions. These individuals face overlapping challenges: pain that intensifies depression, medication side effects that go unmonitored or mental health needs that make it harder to manage physical treatment plans. Without integrated care—where providers collaborate and patients receive whole-person, holistic support—gaps widen, conditions are likely to worsen and preventable complications continue to emerge. The Financial Toll Of Disconnection According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "ninety percent of the nation's $4.5 trillion in annual health care expenditures are for people with chronic and mental health conditions." Much of this spending isn't just the result of disease but disconnection. When care is fragmented, costs escalate as a result of unnecessary hospitalizations, redundant testing, missed diagnoses and missed and/or incomplete care plans. A 2020 study in JAMA Network Open further illustrates this point. Among Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with serious mental illness incurred nearly $5,000 more annually in spending on physical health services compared to those without behavioral health conditions. The reason is one I'm overly familiar with as a practitioner. Simply put, untreated or poorly managed mental health can magnify the cost and complexity of managing one's physical illness. For industry leaders, this is more than a clinical gap—it's a fundamental question of system design and impact. Integrated Care As A Cost Strategy When mental and physical health providers work together, the results can be transformative—for the patient, their families and for broader communities as well. An integrated care approach can lead to: • Lower healthcare costs • Fewer emergency room visits and hospital readmissions • Increased medication adherence and thus better health outcomes • Greater engagement and patient satisfaction in their care What's Getting In The Way Of Integrated Care? Despite its promise, integrated care faces persistent challenges, including the fact that electronic health records aren't designed to be shared seamlessly across medical systems, and training for aspiring healthcare professionals is often siloed, leaving little exposure to approaches that see the patient as a whole person. The good news is that these problems are solvable. Leaders across healthcare—including educators, medical providers, insurance and government—must align on a common goal: removing the structural and financial barriers that prevent collaboration. At the same time, we're beginning to see a new wave of institutions that are built from day one with an integrated approach in mind. Our own, The Chicago School, is one example, with our Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine recently receiving pre-accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. As other new medical schools invest in a commitment to whole-person, community-based care, they will be positioned to help shape the next generation of physicians who are trained not just in diagnosis, but in connection. A Path Forward I've long championed the belief that there is no health without mental health. This principle underscores the necessity of treating individuals holistically, recognizing the intricate interplay between mental and physical well-being. To advance integrated care, we must: • Foster collaborative training. Develop educational programs that prepare future healthcare professionals to work across disciplines, ensuring a unified approach to patient care. • Strengthen community partnerships. Engage with local organizations to create support systems that address both mental and physical health needs within communities. • Advocate for policy reform. Work toward healthcare policies that prioritize integrated care models, ensuring equitable access to comprehensive services for all individuals. • Leverage technology thoughtfully. Utilize technological advancements to facilitate seamless communication among healthcare providers, enhancing coordinated care efforts. • Expand integrated research opportunities. Invest in interdisciplinary research that explores the intersection of mental and physical health, identifies scalable integrated care models and builds a template for evidence-based approaches that support whole-person care. By embracing these strategies, we can move toward a healthcare system that truly supports the whole person. This work is not always easy—change rarely is. But we don't retreat from complexity. We burn forward with clarity, compassion and a shared commitment to doing better for every person, in every community. The future of healthcare isn't about doing more. It's about doing it differently—and doing it together. Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only organization for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations. Do I qualify?
CNA
24-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Powering the future of healthcare: Smarter teams, more compassionate care
From the rise of telehealth and wearable health trackers to patients expecting to engage in shared decision-making with their care team, the healthcare sector is changing rapidly. Mr Derrick Chan, managing director of Fullerton Health (Singapore), noted that this transformation makes lifelong learning more important than ever. 'To remain effective and efficient, our teams must continuously evolve,' he said. To help its frontline staff provide responsive and more empathetic care in the face of rising expectations and new technologies, Fullerton Health partnered with NTUC LearningHub, a continuing education and training provider in Singapore. Through specialised programmes that equip healthcare professionals with foundational skills to work with emerging technologies, strengthen person-centred care and support career progression, NTUC LearningHub helps organisations and workers grow, adapt and stay resilient in step with modern healthcare demands. EMPOWERING FRONTLINE STAFF WITH SKILLS THAT MATTER As an integrated healthcare company offering services from clinical care, diagnostics and radiology to telemedicine and wellness programmes, Fullerton Health aims to be a one-stop platform that helps patients avoid the hassle of navigating multiple providers, facilities and payment systems. 'We want to simplify their journey by providing integrated care models, tech-enabled services and a consistent, patient-first experience,' explained Mr Chan. Achieving that goal, he emphasised, requires ongoing investment in staff training and development. 'Structured training programmes have helped us focus on key areas like service recovery, digital system proficiency and managing sensitive situations.' To upskill its frontline staff, such as nurses and clinic assistants, Fullerton Health enrolled them in the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) in Service Excellence in Healthcare: Fostering Positive Customer and Patient Experiences (L2) course, offered by NTUC LearningHub. These industry-recognised, WSQ-accredited courses are built around critical skills identified in the National Skills Framework, ensuring that participants gain in-demand, transferable capabilities that add value to their workplaces and support career advancement across job roles and industries. Fullerton Health chose NTUC LearningHub for its ability to customise training to the healthcare context, with courses that strike the right balance between technical know-how and critical core skills like empathy and communication that are essential in a patient-centric environment. 'What impressed us most were the practical modules and the trainers with industry experience who connected deeply with our teams,' said Mr Chan. 'This made NTUC LearningHub a strategic partner in developing a high-performing, service-driven workforce.' After completing training with NTUC LearningHub in areas such as patient interaction, emotional intelligence and service recovery, Fullerton Health's frontline staff are now better prepared to handle high-pressure situations and resolve service issues swiftly. The impact has been clear: Smoother clinic operations, a more seamless patient journey and improved patient satisfaction, shared Mr Chan. 'We've seen a measurable uplift in confidence, communication and service standards across our clinics. At our busiest locations, staff now feel more confident handling high volumes without compromising service quality. We've also received positive feedback from patients, who appreciate our staff's friendliness and clear communication,' he said. By upskilling staff, the healthcare company is also building leadership capabilities in its workforce and boosting employee morale, which, in turn, enhances talent retention. Said Mr Chan: 'When employees feel supported in their growth, they stay engaged and committed. The result is a more agile, adaptable and resilient workforce at Fullerton Health Singapore.' As telehealth and data-driven care become more central to healthcare, Fullerton Health is stepping up training in areas such as digital enablement. One key focus is automation, which has helped streamline internal workflows and improve operational efficiency, said Mr Chan. Other digital priorities include data analytics – to support evidence-based decisions and better understand patient behaviour – and organisational digital literacy, to ensure all staff, from clinicians to administrators, can use new technologies with confidence. Fullerton Health also aims to grow competencies in preventive care, chronic disease management and customer service to better serve patients. 'Service excellence training for frontline staff ensures that even in an increasingly digital environment, human touch and empathy remain at the heart of what we do,' explained Mr Chan. The organisation also wants to nurture future healthcare leaders by fostering innovation, and enabling career progression and professional development. The goal is to equip managers with the skills to lead organisational transformation and adopt best practices in change management, so staff can continue to deliver high-quality care as the healthcare landscape evolves. To build these digital, service and leadership skills, Fullerton Health plans to work closely with its training partners. 'As our digital journey accelerates, strong partnerships like the one we have with NTUC LearningHub are instrumental in preparing our workforce for the future of healthcare,' he noted. Mr Chan encourages other healthcare organisations to see upskilling not just as a way to close skill gaps, but as a long-term investment in people and future readiness. 'A trained workforce is more confident, more innovative and better equipped to meet rising expectations,' he said. 'Don't wait until you're behind; build a culture of continuous learning now to stay ahead.'
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Nabta Health unveils first-of-its-kind center of excellence for tailored women's care
The center represents the future of women's healthcare - where collaboration meets personalisation, and where every woman receives care as unique as she is Dubai, UAE - Nabta Health, the region's leading hybrid healthcare company dedicated to women's health, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Center of Excellence — the first of its kind in the region. This world-class facility is based at CMC Hospital and will offer integrated, female-focused care across fertility, pregnancy, perinatal support, and menopause. The Center of Excellence recognises that women's health extends far beyond traditional boundaries. The innovative model is built on a multi-specialty collaboration, uniting gynaecologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, mental health professionals, and other experts under one roof to deliver truly integrated care that reflects the complex and interconnected nature of a woman's health. What sets the center apart is its commitment to age, stage, and goal-specific care, recognising that every stage of a woman's life brings unique health needs. The integrated care teams deliver personalised treatment plans that evolve over time, whether it's supporting a 25-year-old preparing for pregnancy, a 45-year-old navigating perimenopause, or a 65-year-old focused on healthy ageing. From fertility optimisation to menopause management and beyond, we offer comprehensive care that adapts to each woman's individual journey. This holistic approach ensures that conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal imbalances are managed in an integrated manner rather than in isolation. By coordinating care across multiple specialties and tailoring interventions to each woman's specific life stage and health goals, the center moves beyond symptom management and empowers women to achieve optimal health and well-being at every stage of life. "For too long, women have been forced to navigate a fragmented healthcare system that treats symptoms in isolation rather than addressing the whole person," said Sophie Smith, Founder and CEO of Nabta Health."Our Clinical Center of Excellence represents a fundamental shift, where collaboration replaces silos, where personalisation trumps one-size-fits-all approaches, and where every woman receives care that honours her unique journey and aspirations." 'This partnership exemplifies our commitment to pioneering healthcare excellence. By combining CMC's world-class facilities and clinical expertise with NABTA's innovative approach to women's health, we're creating a new standard of care that will serve as a model for the region and beyond,' said Mark Adams, CEO at CMC Hospital. Nabta Health's Center of Excellence marks a significant advancement in women's healthcare and reinforces Nabta Health's commitment to innovation and improving health outcomes for women throughout the region. About Nabta Health: Nabta Health is a pioneering women's healthcare company based in Dubai, dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health through accessible, comprehensive, and personalized healthcare solutions. We seamlessly blend the convenience of online healthcare with the expertise of in-person clinics, ensuring women in Dubai receive the best care possible. About CMC Hospital: CMC Hospital is a premier private healthcare institution in the UAE, offering world-class medical services across a broad spectrum of specialties. Affiliated with Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut and part of the Clemenceau Medicine International network, CMC Hospital combines cutting-edge technology, internationally trained physicians, and patient-centric care to deliver the highest standards of medical excellence. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to clinical innovation, CMC Hospital continues to set benchmarks in healthcare delivery both regionally and globally.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Completion of £16m medical centre 'firmly in sight'
The completion of a £16m integrated care centre is "firmly in sight" following the installation of a new roof. The Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre in Wiltshire has been described as a "state-of-the-art health and care facility" and is due to open to patients early next year. The site will become the location for the minor injury unit and X-ray department that are currently based within the nearby Trowbridge Community Hospital. Interim executive lead for cancer, planned care and community, Caroline Holmes, said: "The building work is well under way, the finish line is firmly in sight, and local people can now see their new integrated care centre really begin to take shape. Using the latest green technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps, the centre is designed to be fully self-sufficient and net zero carbon. Representatives from Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) marked the "milestone" occasion on the recently installed roof. They were joined by the Mayor of Trowbridge, along with a number of NHS colleagues who will soon call the new centre home. Ms Holmes thanked those who had helped bring the new centre to life. She added: "When the very first spades went in the ground, it was difficult to picture how a brand new health and care facility could emerge from what was essentially a very muddy field. Yet, here we are." The new centre is set to be a "flagship location" for local health and care, with teams from many different organisations, including HCRG Care Group, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and the Royal United Hospital, working together under one roof. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. New £16m health centre given go ahead Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB
BBC News
15-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Completion of £16m Trowbridge medical centre 'firmly in sight'
The completion of a £16m integrated care centre is "firmly in sight" following the installation of a new roof. The Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre in Wiltshire has been described as a "state-of-the-art health and care facility" and is due to open to patients early next site will become the location for the minor injury unit and X-ray department that are currently based within the nearby Trowbridge Community executive lead for cancer, planned care and community, Caroline Holmes, said: "The building work is well under way, the finish line is firmly in sight, and local people can now see their new integrated care centre really begin to take shape. Using the latest green technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps, the centre is designed to be fully self-sufficient and net zero carbon. Representatives from Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) marked the "milestone" occasion on the recently installed were joined by the Mayor of Trowbridge, along with a number of NHS colleagues who will soon call the new centre Holmes thanked those who had helped bring the new centre to added: "When the very first spades went in the ground, it was difficult to picture how a brand new health and care facility could emerge from what was essentially a very muddy field. Yet, here we are."The new centre is set to be a "flagship location" for local health and care, with teams from many different organisations, including HCRG Care Group, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and the Royal United Hospital, working together under one roof.
