First steps in developing a managed clinical network for vascular services in Lanarkshire.
OBJECTIVE
To survey key personnel involved in setting up a Managed Clinical Network (MCN) for vascular services in Lanarkshire to assess their views, knowledge and understanding about networking, with a view to facilitating the implementation of the MCN.


METHODS
A questionnaire was designed covering current networking practice, use of protocols, audit and training. It was piloted with the MCN core group and extended to the wider steering group. Semi-structured interviews were completed with core group members focusing on the structure and management of the network.


METHODS
Lanarkshire Health Board, Lanarkshire Acute Hospital Trust and Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust.


METHODS
The core group and steering group for the development of a Managed Clinical Network for Vascular Surgical Services.


RESULTS
Clinicians tend to have more contacts with clinicians and managers with managers. There was close and frequent networking among clinicians of equal status. Respondents shared increased expectations for participation in audit, working to protocols, training and development and improved means of obtaining patients' views and providing information. All respondents recognised the necessity for network leadership although, in this study, it was not possible to define the style of leadership.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identified a degree of existing, informal networking among members of the core group and steering group and it will be important to build on that foundation as the MCN develops. Further research is required to determine the most appropriate form of leadership for the network, and to identify, more clearly, what is understood by a managed network and what accountability there should be.
Moir
D
D
Lanarkshire Health Board, 14 Beckford Street, Hamilton.
Campbell
H
H
Wrench
J
J
Miller
S
S
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires