Patient care leadership within an emerging integrated delivery network.

The emergence of integrated delivery networks provides an opportunity for leaders of patient care services to reach into our tool bags and refine the key leadership skills of strategist, facilitator, coach, and mentor. Shifting the focus from management to leadership is the hallmark of our success. As patient care leaders we will facilitate the achievement of the organization's strategic initiatives to improve clinical care delivery while decreasing cost. This article will explore the role of the patient care executive as part of the leadership team developing an integrated/organized delivery network.