Integration as a tool for interprofessional work: A synthesis of the literature regarding how to use integrative strategies to address complex public health problems

Background: There has been limited success addressing complex public health problems using “siloed” approaches. A next important step in addressing persistent public health problems is adopting an “integrative” approach—intentional collaboration across the domains of research, clinical practice, community, and policy. This synthesis of the literature aggregates and synthesizes the diffuse and multi-disciplinary integration literature base to describe key concepts, aspects of praxis, and challenges and successes to help guide interprofessional practice. Methods: A three-step approach was used: 1) a wide-ranging search for articles on integration theory/praxis; 2) a more focused search in the health literature bases; 3) a snowball strategy to identify additional studies. Discussion/conclusions: Themes identified included 1) elements of successful integration; 2) characteristics of an effective integrator; and 3) dynamics between stakeholders in integration praxis. Results of this synthesis of the integration literature provide a deeper understanding of integration and points to clear and exciting next steps for integration praxis and inquiry.