What is a significant outcome of effective integrated care?

The significant outcome of effective integrated care is improved coordination of patient care. This approach emphasizes the seamless integration of various healthcare services, enhancing communication between different providers and departments. This improved coordination means that patients experience smoother transitions between various stages of their care, leading to better outcomes, reduced redundancy in treatment, and a more holistic approach to health management.

When care is well-coordinated, patients are less likely to encounter gaps in service or miscommunication among caregivers, which can otherwise lead to complications or delays in treatment. It also facilitates more comprehensive management of chronic conditions, as a team-based approach helps track and manage various aspects of a patient's health more effectively.

The other options highlight negative outcomes or complications that do not align with the goals of integrated care, such as increased paperwork or costs, which run contrary to the aim of reducing inefficiencies and streamlining processes in a patient's healthcare journey.