Boundary fighting: territorial conflicts in health organizations

If health institutions are to be healthy places to work and study, managers in these institutions will have to take the lead to revamp old tradition-based boundaries. Health problems now rarely require the exclusive care of one specialist. Health care and rehabilitation require that many health care specialists work together. And, prevention crosses all disciplinary boundaries. Similarly, our changing society requires a more flexible workplace with job sharing, teaming, multicompetent personnel, and an environment that is dedicated more to meeting the needs of consumers than those of health professionals. Boundaries in health institutions must change if these institutions are to meet the needs of a changing society and attract and retain health care professionals who want to experience the opportunities of new, more permeable boundaries without the ordeal of warfare.