Abstract

In 2019, the Government of Ontario announced a health system transformation to end hallway healthcare by implementing integrated care systems known as Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). Establishing an integrated care system is a monumental task requiring collaborative and participatory leadership structures. Based on a survey of 480 OHT signatory members and 125 in-depth interviews with leaders from 12 OHTs, we describe how developing OHTs conceptualized and executed leadership. While collaborative leadership is common, the approaches are varied and the leadership structure is informed by contextual differences. We provide suggestions on how to support the success of collaborative leadership for decision and policy makers, leaders and anyone working toward integrated care.