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Challenges and insights in inter-organizational collaborative healthcare networks: An empirical case study of a place-based network

Kieran Mervyn (School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK)
Nii Amoo (Faculty of Business and Law, Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK)
Rebecca Malby (School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK)

International Journal of Organizational Analysis

ISSN: 1934-8835

Article publication date: 28 January 2019

Issue publication date: 9 September 2019

1140

Abstract

Purpose

Public sectors have responded to grand societal challenges by establishing collaboratives – new inter-organizational partnerships to secure better quality health services. In the UK, a proliferation of collaboration-based healthcare networks exists that could help to enhance the value of investments in quality improvement programs. The nature and organizational form of such improvements is still a subject of debate within the public-sector literature. Place-based collaboration has been proposed as a possible solution. In response, the purpose of this study is to present the results and findings of a place-based collaborative network, highlighting challenges and insights.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a social constructionist epistemological approach, using a qualitative methodology. A single case study was used and data collected in three different stages over a two-year period.

Findings

The study finds that leadership, data-enabled learning through system-wide training and development, and the provision of an enabling environment that is facilitated by an academic partner, can go a long way in the managing of healthcare networks for improving quality.

Research limitations/implications

Regardless of the tensions and challenges with place-based networks, they could still be a solution in maximizing the public value required by government investments in the healthcare sector, as they offer a more innovative structure that can help to address complex issues beyond the remit of hierarchical structures. This study is limited by the use of a single case study.

Practical implications

Across countries health systems are moving away from markets to collaborative models for healthcare delivery and from individual services to population-based approaches. This study provides insights to inform leaders of collaborative health models in the design and delivery of these new collaborations.

Social implications

As demand rises (as a result of increasing complexity and demographics) in the western world, health systems are seeking to redefine the boundaries between health service provision and community self-reliance and resilience. This study provides insights into the new partnership between health institutions and communities, providing opportunities for more social- and solidarity-based healthcare models which place patients and the public at the heart of change.

Originality/value

The city place-based network is the first of such organizational form in healthcare collaboration in the UK.

Keywords

Citation

Mervyn, K., Amoo, N. and Malby, R. (2019), "Challenges and insights in inter-organizational collaborative healthcare networks: An empirical case study of a place-based network", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 875-902. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-05-2018-1415

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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