Integrated health services are seen as the answer to delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare - particularly for patients with long-term conditions. But it requires crucial key building blocks.

The Healthcare Financial Management Association has joined with Net.Orange to create a range of mobile clinical support and business applications.

Integrated health services are seen as the answer to delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare - particularly for patients with long-term conditions. But that requires six key building blocks, argues Rob Beardall.

U.S. health care costs currently exceed 17% of GDP and continue to rise. Other countries spend less of their GDP on health care but have the same increasing trend. Explanations are not hard to find.

Poor health puts a significant burden not only on the patient but also on the family and society at large. Diseases can deplete a patient of finances as well as impose stress on healthcare services and work productivity.