Table 1 Typology of clinical networks
Community of practice | Information network | Clinical network (non-managed) | Clinical network (managed) | Integrated service delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Definition | Groups of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Communities of practice are characterised by voluntary and transitory memberships without a hierarchical structure. | Soft networks are largely referral systems whereby members list themselves in an electronic directory to receive information and resources. | Groups of voluntary experts who work together on common concerns to develop solutions that involve transcending traditional boundaries. These networks are characterised by a hierarchical structure with governance arrangements. These tend to be organised by clinical discipline. | Groups of clinicians who deliver services across boundaries between healthcare professions and the different sectors of the health system. These tend to be organised by clinical discipline. | Networks made up of healthcare organisations as well as individuals within them with an overarching administrative structure with a focus on integration and coordination of clinical services. These tend to be organised by geographical region. |
Membership | Individuals Flexible and unrestricted | Individuals Flexible and unrestricted | Individuals Flexible and voluntary | Individuals and healthcare organisations Formal | Healthcare organisations Contractual arrangements about service delivery |
Governance and management | Non-hierarchical and informal “Bottom up” | Non-hierarchical and informal “Bottom up” | Semi-hierarchical “Bottom up” | Hierarchical “Mix of bottom up and top down” | Hierarchical “Top down” |
Overlap with other typology | Enclavea | Enclave | Individualistic | Individualistic | Hierarchical |
Example | Canadian Health Services Research Foundation - The Executive Training for Research Application (EXTRA) program alumni community of practice, Canada http://www.cfhi-fcass.ca/sf-docs/default-source/extra/cfhi-extra_brochure-2015-e.pdf | NHS UK – CHAIN: Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network, UK | NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation’s networks, Australia | NHS National Services Division Scotland Managed Clinical Networks, UK | Veterans Integrated Service Networks, Veterans’ Health Administration, US |
Included in this review | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Not included |