
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Southon, Gray 
A1  - Perkins, Rod 
A1  - Galler, David 
T1  - Networks: a key to the future of health services
JF  - Australian Health Review
JO  - Aust. Health Review
Y1  - 2005
VL  - 29
IS  - 3
SP  - 317
EP  - 326
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/AH050317 
N2  - Health service reforms and structures have, in general, emphasised hierarchical systems to enable control and accountability. In doing so, policies have substantially sidelined networks and their potential for contributing to health service performance. Networks play a number of roles, such as in supporting expertise development, arranging referrals, coordinating programs, undertaking projects, sharing common interests and providing mutual support in managing common conditions. They handle knowledge, support expertise and deal with complexity in ways that hierarchies are unable to, and are fundamental to supporting professionalism. Until networks are used to a greater extent, the development of health services will be substantially impeded. This will require enhancing the role and contribution that networks play, which is dependent on resources, leadership and skills. 
ER  -

