Networks in health care: A comparative study of their management, impact and performance

Abstract

Should health care services be organised through hierarchies, markets or\rnetworks? The choice of governance mode is a fundamental question in\rhealth policy. Here we assess the nature and impact of network forms in the\rEnglish National Health Service (NHS) and provide evidence to inform future\rpolicy choices.\rThis initial chapter of the report introduces the study’s aims and objectives.\rIt argues networks in health care are an important research theme, given\rtheir high policy and managerial relevance, and provides ‘signposts’ for the\rremaining chapters.