An integrated understanding of workflow across settings is important to inform the design and implementation of effective interventions for improved health outcomes. Patient-oriented workflow re-conceptualizes workflow so that it functions effectively in systems in multiple, diverse settings by focusing on (1) the three essential elements of workflow: activities, roles, and sequence; (2) actual episodes, rather than “typical” cases. Patient-oriented workflow can inform the design of health information technology (HIT) as well as other organizational interventions and their implementation and evaluation. Patient-oriented workflow has been studied using various qualitative and quantitative methods. We presented four cases, which showed that to successfully redesign healthcare delivery, as well as design and implement HIT that can account for care across the entire patient journey, healthcare delivery must be examined as an integrated system of a longitudinal process rather than a cluster of discrete tasks in isolated environments. Patient-oriented workflow can provide the needed integrated perspective.