TY - JOUR
T1 - Developing a Common Understanding of Networks of Care through a Scoping Study
AU - Carmone, Andy E.
AU - Kalaris, Katherine
AU - Leydon, Nicholas
AU - Sirivansanti, Nicole
AU - Smith, Jeffrey M.
AU - Storey, Andrew
AU - Malata, Address
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2020/9/25
Y1 - 2020/9/25
N2 - The phrase “Networks of Care” seems familiar but remains poorly defined. A health system that exemplifies effective Networks of Care (NOC) purposefully and effectively interconnects service delivery touch points within a catchment area to fill critical service gaps and create continuity in patient care. To more fully elaborate the concept of Networks of Care, we conducted a multi-method scoping study that included a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and descriptive case studies from five low- and middle-income countries. Our extended definition of a Network of Care features four overlapping and interdependent domains of activity at multiple levels of health systems, characterized by: 1) Agreement and Enabling Environment, 2) Operational Standards, 3) Quality, Efficiency and Responsibility, and 4) Learning and Adaptation. There are a series of key interrelated themes within each domain. Creating a common understanding of what characterizes and fosters an effective Network of Care can drive the evolution and strengthening of national health programs, especially those incorporating universal health coverage and promoting comprehensive care and integrated services. An understanding of the Networks of Care model can help guide efforts to move health service delivery toward goals that can benefit a diversity of stakeholders, including a variety of health system actors, such as health care workers, users of health systems, and the wider community at large. It can also contribute to improving poor health outcomes and reducing waste originating from fragmented services and lack of access.
AB - The phrase “Networks of Care” seems familiar but remains poorly defined. A health system that exemplifies effective Networks of Care (NOC) purposefully and effectively interconnects service delivery touch points within a catchment area to fill critical service gaps and create continuity in patient care. To more fully elaborate the concept of Networks of Care, we conducted a multi-method scoping study that included a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and descriptive case studies from five low- and middle-income countries. Our extended definition of a Network of Care features four overlapping and interdependent domains of activity at multiple levels of health systems, characterized by: 1) Agreement and Enabling Environment, 2) Operational Standards, 3) Quality, Efficiency and Responsibility, and 4) Learning and Adaptation. There are a series of key interrelated themes within each domain. Creating a common understanding of what characterizes and fosters an effective Network of Care can drive the evolution and strengthening of national health programs, especially those incorporating universal health coverage and promoting comprehensive care and integrated services. An understanding of the Networks of Care model can help guide efforts to move health service delivery toward goals that can benefit a diversity of stakeholders, including a variety of health system actors, such as health care workers, users of health systems, and the wider community at large. It can also contribute to improving poor health outcomes and reducing waste originating from fragmented services and lack of access.
KW - Networks of care
KW - high quality health systems
KW - integrated service delivery
KW - maternal and neonatal health
KW - subnational health systems strengthening
KW - universal health coverage
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85091486445&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85091486445&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/23288604.2020.1810921
DO - 10.1080/23288604.2020.1810921
M3 - Article
C2 - 33021881
AN - SCOPUS:85091486445
SN - 2328-8604
VL - 6
JO - Health Systems and Reform
JF - Health Systems and Reform
IS - 2
M1 - e1810921
ER -