Innovations and networks: the case of mental health care reforms in Belgium

Abstract

This article discusses mental health care reforms in Belgium from an interorganisational perspective. In 2007 a three year experiential government programme was launched seeking for alternative organisation models in mental health care, labeled as 'care circuits' and 'networks'. The target population is 'persons with chronic and complex mental disorders'. This article reports some of the observations based of an ongoing evaluation process. The research evaluates the plan and implementation processes of these collaboration and networking models (the TP). The qualitative approach aims at developing, testing and refining insights in the dynamics of developing collaboration and networks by exploring the complex and dynamic interaction among context, mechanism, and outcome. The article uses insights form health care innovation literature, interorganisational network theories and literature on organisational fields. Health care innovations take place in a complex multi-agent environment. The implementation (ado...