The care system for patients and the specialists who care for them is broken. Patients experience care that is uncoordinated, impersonal, and sometimes contradictory. They face delays in receiving the care they need and want when they need and want it and are often forced to negotiate overly complex and inefficient systems that result in unnecessary delays and frustrations.

Specialties and their staff also experience unnecessary delays and frustration because of overly complex and inefficient systems. These systems contribute to a chaotic and stressful work life that prevents them from doing the work they are trained to do (i.e., using their unique skills and expertise). In addition, specialists may face threats to their financial viability because of their inability to absorb new patients in a timely manner.

IHI is currently working with teams in the Improving Access and Flow in Specialty Practices and Outpatient Settings Innovation Community to develop new designs and processes to lessen these frustrations both patients and physicians experience.