Alliances in health care: What we know, what we think we know, and what we should know

Partnership Synergy: A Practical Framework for Studying and Strengthening the Collaborative Advantage

“…Gray (1989) defined collaboration as "a process through which parties who see different aspects of a problem can explore constructively their differences and search for solutions that go beyond their own limited vision of what is possible." Others have described collaboration as a process that enables independent individuals and organizations to combine their human and material resources so they can accomplish objectives they are unable to bring about alone (Kanter 1994;Lasker et al 1997;Mayo 1997;Wandersman, Goodman, and Butterfoss 1997;Zuckerman, Kaluzny, and Ricketts 1995).…”

“…These actions can be strengthened by bringing together similar partners who share particular views or provide the same type of services. Examples include advocacy coalitions, which can increase the "critical mass" behind an effort; and health care alliances, which can pool their resources to reduce duplication of services, achieve economies of scale, and increase their partners' competitive advantage (Wandersman, Goodman, and Butterfoss 1997;Zuckerman, Kaluzny, and Ricketts 1995). The capacity of partnerships to respond to problems may be even greater, however, when they bring together diverse partners.…”

“…The partnership literature is replete with calls for research, evaluation, technical assistance, and training along these lines, including additional conceptualization and new methodological tools (Backer 1999;Butterfoss, Goodman, and Wandersman 1996;Fawcett et al 1997;Francisco, Paine, and Fawcett 1993;Mitchell and Shortell 2000;Roussos and Fawcett 2000;Taylor-Powell, Rossing, and Geran 1998;Wandersman, Goodman, and Butterfoss 1997;Zuckerman, Kaluzny, and Ricketts 1995). Of the specific needs cited in this literature, our framework can contribute to three: a better understanding of partnership functioning; the development of proximal measures that predict partnership effectiveness; and improved approaches to partnership management.…”

Broadening Participation in Community Problem Solving: a Multidisciplinary Model to Support Collaborative Practice and Research

“…7,[10][11][12][13]20,95,102 By combining the skills and resources of diverse participants, a community has the potential to take actions that go beyond the capacity of any single person, organization, or sector. Working together, people and organizations in a community can take actions that…”

“…[10][11][12][13] Responding to the promising potential of collaboration to give voice to people in communities and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of achieving challenging health objectives, foundations and government agencies in the United States have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in community partnerships and participation initiatives. 8,9,12,[14][15][16][17][18] Some examples of participatory initiatives that focus on community health, the delivery of health services, and community-based research for health include Community Health Centers, Target Cities, Ryan White, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Community Partnerships, Healthy Cities and Healthy Communities, Community Care Networks, Healthy Start, CommunityBased Public Health, Community Voices, Community Access Program, Urban Research Centers, Free to Grow, Turning Point, and Partnerships for the Public's Health.…”