What does "integrated care" refer to in health services?

"Integrated care" refers to a coordinated approach that addresses various health needs of patients, which aligns perfectly with the correct answer. This concept emphasizes the importance of comprehensive and cohesive health services that work together seamlessly. It seeks to combine medical, behavioral, and social health services to improve health outcomes and enhance patient experiences.

In an integrated care model, providers from different specialties collaborate and share information, ensuring that care is not delivered in silos but rather in a holistic manner that considers all aspects of a patient's health. This approach is particularly beneficial for managing chronic diseases and complex health issues, where multiple facets of care must be coordinated to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. By prioritizing comprehensive care, integrated care systems aim to reduce duplication of services, lower healthcare costs, and improve overall population health.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of integrated care: fragmented care highlights disconnection among services, a focus solely on physical health ignores the critical integration of mental and social health, and a limitation to emergency care fails to address ongoing health needs that require a well-rounded approach.