ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the concept of a system of health care and explores whether seamless health care might be delivered through networks of organizations. It examines the operation of public sector networks. Viewing the system from a patient perspective, the chapter looks at research on the efficacy of networks of health and social care, especially in areas of high and increasing demand, such as care of older people and sexual health. It explores the evidence on how the full potential of networks of organizations in health care may be brought to fruition. The chapter provides empirical data on the development of networks in the care of older people and then translational networks aimed at facilitating more efficient processes of innovation implementation. The chapter demonstrates that the research undertaken to date on network governance and management is still at the embryonic stage, but it provides some useful indicators for further research and exploration.
