[Network care: what are we waiting for?]

Abstract

Background: For years, enhanced collaboration within networks has been frequently suggested as a solution to the challenges in mental health care. Nevertheless, the practical implementation has been slow.

Aim: To understand why the translation of network care from policy to practice is so challenging, and to identify entry points to overcome these obstacles.

Method: We examine the intended transformation and its bottlenecks from the perspectives of care, innovation, change, and governance to gain insights into useful action perspectives.

Results: From a care perspective, a shared understanding of what network care demands from all network members is helpful. Network care proves to be a complex innovation that requires courage from the board of directors and perseverance of all stakeholders. An incremental change approach within the existing organizational structure will facilitate the transition to network care. From a governance perspective, it is important to place the fundamental principles of quality care at the forefront and to reflect on previous mental healthcare reforms.

Conclusion: To establish network care as the new standard practice, sustained efforts are required from both organizations and individual professionals within care networks.