Continuous Health Care Units as Inter-Organizational Networks: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The main aspect for investigation at the foundation of this study is knowledge and understanding of continuous health care units as inter-organizational networks. Thus, a phenomenological methodology was adopted. Two major units of significance (themes) were identified: (1) obstacles in the continuous health care network related to difficult connection to the Hospital sector and (2) professionals lack of specific training. However, the main inferences and conclusions of this study refer to the importance of continuous care in the health and social service sectors. Some implications, limitations and suggestions for future investigation in the area of public management are also presented.

Keywords

• inter-organizational networks
• continuous care
• health sector
• social services
• public management
• portugal.