What are some disadvantages of the functional system of care delivery?

The functional system of care delivery often leads to communication gaps and fragmentation of care, which are significant disadvantages. In this model, healthcare professionals are organized by specialty or specific functions, which can create silos within the healthcare team. This structure may result in inadequate communication between various specialties, as each group focuses primarily on its own tasks and responsibilities. Such fragmentation can lead to disjointed patient care, where critical information may not be shared effectively across different departments or practitioners.

This compartmentalized approach can also hinder the holistic treatment of patients, as there is less coordination in their overall care plan. As a result, patients may experience delays in receiving comprehensive care or face inconsistencies in treatment recommendations, impacting their overall health outcomes.

In contrast, the options citing high patient satisfaction, quick decision-making, and team collaboration generally represent advantages often associated with other care delivery models, such as integrated or team-based approaches. Therefore, while the functional system may excel in some operational aspects, its drawbacks primarily stem from communication issues and lack of cohesion in patient care.