A clinically integrated network (CIN – sometimes pronounced “sin,” which is why I prefer to spell out the letters, “C-I-N”) is a group of healthcare providers that work together to actively assess and modify services to deliver efficient and affordable coordinated care to specific groups of patients. They share pertinent information and data, creating a high degree of interdependence and cooperation among the clinically integrated providers to control costs and ensure quality, usually via an electronic platform.

It is no secret that healthcare has been in crisis — a staffing crisis. While the pandemic certainly exacerbated the situation, present workloads, emerging patterns contrary to traditional practice, and burnout are only the latest in a long line of factors straining the healthcare workforce.