Breaking down professional silos: the potential of integrated management

The "change" train is headed down the track. You can be on board the train, be under it, or be left at the station, but this train will continue with or without you. Patients, families and healthcare professionals believe that healthcare is delivered in a fragmented fashion. Our silos--our departments, the facilities we are associated with, our professions and professional associations--are under attack and must respond. Schools are educating students to practice in a place that just isn't there anymore. Many educators have been away from the healthcare arena too long. Critical factors for an organization's success, in business and in healthcare, include having a seamless, aligned and simplified operation that offers high value. The successful healthcare organization must be financially viable. It must harness technology's potential, particularly in information systems, to improve the work we do. Change must be lead or driven from the top. Concepts must be sold to staff, family members and patients so each group believes its best interests are served.