Erfolgsbedingungen berufsgruppen- und institutionsübergreifender Kooperation in der psychosozialen Medizin aus Sicht der Akteure: Das “Netzwerk Essstörungen Ostalbkreis (NEO)”

Abstract

Objectives: The conditions for successful cooperation in medical networks were analysed using the example of the Netzwerk Essst?rungen im Ostalbkreis e. V. (NEO; Ostalbkreis Network for Eating Disorders). The questions under investigation were: What motivates participants to join the network? Which expectations were fulfilled and which disappointments were faced? Which strategies of communication and cooperation proved to be of value? What types of miscommunication and conflicts arose?

Methods: The Network participants were polled using a method-mix of issue-focussed qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires.

Results: The results show that non-monetary motives and benefits turned out to be far more important than economic interests. There is little tolerance for excessive bureaucracy. It is apparent that not all participants have the same benefit from, or satisfaction with the program.

Conclusion: Being part of a medical network may have beneficial “side effects” relevant for stress relief and work satisfaction: participants can feel integrated, competent, valued and experience joy while cooperating. A wellestablished cooperation structure seems to be more adequate for building new medical networks than a merely formal association in integrated system of care.