Do managed clinical networks improve quality of diabetes care? Evidence from a retrospective mixed methods evaluation

Abstract

Delivering better care to whole populations across organisational and professional boundaries required sustained work over long periods, and at all levels of the system of care. Past network focus on clinical collaboration has been effective at improving clinical process and outcome, and the network is now prioritising work with managers and patients to support future redesign.

Identifying strategies to improve diabetes care in Alberta, Canada, using the knowledge-to-action cycle

“…An independent evaluation of a managed clinical network in Scotland suggested improvements in processes and outcomes for patients with diabetes after its implementation. 26 The evaluation also suggested that the lack of patient and managerial involvement during the network's formative years was problematic, and a key to its success was effective engagement across specialties. 26 …”

“…26 The evaluation also suggested that the lack of patient and managerial involvement during the network's formative years was problematic, and a key to its success was effective engagement across specialties. 26 …”

Unwarranted variation in health care for children and young people

“…Regional managed networks, based around specialist services which provides clinical expertise, ongoing support and education for local providers within their area, have been successful in improving outcomes in diabetes, epilepsy and cystic fibrosis, amongst others 9 10. Neonatal care has been transformed through neonatal networks, and, importantly, the willingness of clinicians to provide data through the comprehensive national neonatal audit programme for benchmarking and service improvement as well as academic and health services research 11.…”

Improving the quality of healthcare: a cross-sectional study of the features of successful clinical networks

“…2,3 However, evidence for their success is largely anecdotal and experiential 2,3 , or focused on individual clinical areas. [4][5][6] The science to support clinical network design has not kept pace with networks' rapid operational development. 7 We define 'clinical networks' as networks of clinicians and consumers that aim to improve clinical care and service delivery using a collegial approach to agree on and implement a range of strategies.…”