Do governance choices matter in health care networks?: an exploratory configuration study of health care networks

Abstract

BackgroundHealth care networks are widely used and accepted as an organizational form that enables integrated care as well as dealing with complex matters in health care. However, research on the governance of health care networks lags behind. The research aim of our study is to explore the type and importance of governance structure and governance mechanisms for network effectiveness.MethodsThe study has a multiple case study design and covers 22 health care networks. Using a configuration view, combinations of network governance and other network characteristics were studied on the level of the network. Based on interview and questionnaire data, network characteristics were identified and patterns in the data looked for.ResultsNeither a dominant (or optimal) governance structure or mechanism nor a perfect fit among governance and other characteristics were revealed, but a number of characteristics that need further study might be related to effective networks such as the role of governmental agencies, legitimacy, and relational, hierarchical, and contractual governance mechanisms as complementary factors.ConclusionsAlthough the results emphasize the situational character of network governance and effectiveness, they give practitioners in the health care sector indications of which factors might be more or less crucial for network effectiveness.

A Scoping Review of Facilitators of Multi-Professional Collaboration in Primary Care

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Governança e Eficácia de Redes Interorganizacionais: Comparação entre iniciativas brasileiras de redes de cooperação

“…A ênfase no estudo da governança de redes interorganizacionais vem ao encontro dos argumentos de autores como Provan e Kenis (2008) e Hibbert, Huxham e Smith-Ring (2008), que sugerem a necessidade de uma compreensão mais aprofundada da organização e gestão da cooperação (MÖLLER; RAJALA; SVAHN, 2005) e seu impacto sobre a eficácia da rede (CEPIKU et al, 2014). Entender como as redes são governadas, portanto, é importante tanto para compreender seu funcionamento quanto para potencializar sua eficácia (MUELLER, 2012;WILLEM;GEMMEL, 2013).…”

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A structuration framework for bridging the macro–micro divide in health‐care governance

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