Developing an inter-organisational community-based health network: an Australian investigation
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 20:51authored byShort, A, Taylor, RL, Nugus, P, Dugdale, P, Greenfield, D
Networks in health care typically involve services delivered by a defined set of organizations. However, networked associations between the healthcare system and consumers or consumer organizations tend to be open, fragmented and are fraught with difficulties. Understanding the role and activities of consumers and consumer groups in a formally initiated inter-organizational health network, and the impacts of the network, is a timely endeavour. This study addresses this aim in three ways. First, the Unbounded Network Inter-organizational Collaborative Impact Model, a purpose-designed framework developed from existing literature, is used to investigate the process and products of inter-organizational network development. Second, the impact of a network artefact is explored. Third, the lessons learned in inter-organizational network development are considered. Data collection methods were: 16 h of ethnographic observation; 10 h of document analysis; six interviews with key informants and a survey (n = 60). Findings suggested that in developing the network, members used common aims, inter-professional collaboration, the power and trust engendered by their participation, and their leadership and management structures in a positive manner. These elements and activities underpinned the inter-organizational network to collaboratively produce the Health Expo network artefact. This event brought together healthcare providers, community groups and consumers to share information. The Health Expo demonstrated and reinforced inter-organizational working and community outreach, providing consumers with community-based information and linkages. Support and resources need to be offered for developing community inter-organizational networks, thereby building consumer capacity for self-management in the community.
History
Publication title
Health Promotion International
Volume
30
Issue
4
Pagination
868-880
ISSN
0957-4824
Publisher
Oxford Univ Press
Place of publication
Great Clarendon St, Oxford, England, Ox2 6Dp
Rights statement
Copyright 2014 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified