Table 1 Features of successful clinical networks – enablers and barriers

Enablers of managed clinical network success

 Sufficient resources – funding, administration and human (staffing)

 Availability of information and communication technologies

 A bottom-up, locally driven approach to implementation

 A positive, trusting culture where networks are seen as desirable and perceived to be necessary

 The norms and values of the network are compatible with those of the organisations involved

 Strong leadership

 Inclusive membership

 Engagement at different levels of the healthcare system

 Evidence based work plans and projects that address issues identified by network members

 Supportive policy environments

Barriers to managed clinical network success

 Lack of funding and resources

 Tension, distrust and competition (particularly over resources) between network members

 An imbalance of power between network members resulting in competition for resource

 Poor communication and unwillingness to collaborate

 Lack of confidence in the ability of network leaders and managers

 Lack of representation of key stakeholders in certain contexts (e.g. rural interests)

 Poor record keeping and documentation

 A top-down approach of network implementation