Table 1 Parameters for classification into organizational forms adapted from Leutz [25]

Structural typology

Single actors within existing services are linked “service to service”

Single actors are coordinated by network managers (from within or outside the network)

A new program/service has been created with pooled benefits and recourse, sharing costs and defined tasks. Multidisciplinary teams control jointly all perspectives of the new service

Actor responsibilities

Screen, inform and refer patients to “other services” within the care system, responsibilities are separate

Managers share clinical information, manage transitions, coordinate benefits and the sequence of services (“care management”)

Network actors/groups not bounded by any binding contract, responsibilities remain separate

Multi-disciplinary professional teams with joint clinical and contractual responsibilities

Apply case management

Administrational body

None

Administration through elected network members

Managed through an individual, neutral administrative body

Patients’ needs

Universal

Targeted

Specialist