Abstract

In the study, it is aimed to examine and reveal the organizational structure and functioning of the European Reference Networks selected as a case study and the networks that make up it. The research is a qualitative case study. European Reference Networks is the case examined in the study and the context is digitalization in health care. In the research, interviews were made with the network coordinators using a semi-structured interview form and the data were subjected to thematic analysis. Research participants evaluated the European Reference Networks in five main themes and seventeen subthemes. Participants think that the established system is a pioneer for digitalization in health. Although all of them accept the virtual organizational structure of the system, there are differences of opinion on whether to define it as a health organization or not. However, since they are the first and only example, they consider that they experience the disadvantage of innovation. As a result, European Reference Networks is a new and important point for digitalization in health services. It is a visionary example for health management and health system organizations.

Author(s)

Muhammed Yusuf AYDAMAK
Şebnem YÜCEL

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