Coordination and integration of care is considered what in terms of patient-centered care?

Coordination and integration of care are regarded as a fundamental necessity in patient-centered care because they ensure that patients receive comprehensive and cohesive treatment throughout their healthcare journey. This approach emphasizes the seamless transition between different levels of care, which is crucial in addressing the patient’s needs effectively and promoting overall well-being.

When care is well-coordinated, it reduces the risk of fragmented services, enhances communication among healthcare providers, and aligns the various components of care to the individual’s preferences and health goals. Patients benefit from a more streamlined experience, which can lead to better health outcomes, increased satisfaction, and more efficient use of healthcare resources.

This foundational necessity of care coordination is widely recognized in healthcare reforms and models that prioritize patient experience. It stands in contrast to the idea of it being an optional, additional, or policy-driven service, as those notions merely suggest that such efforts could be taken or left, rather than emphasizing their essential role in effective patient-centered care.