Governmental promotion of co‐operation between care providers: a theoretical consideration of the Dutch experience

Throughout Europe, there is an increasing number of independently living chronically ill patients who suffer from multiple and complex health problems. Several organisations which, individually, are not able to deliver all of the necessary services to these so‐called multiple problem patients, are involved in providing for their care. In countries like Sweden, the UK and The Netherlands, national governments consider co‐operation between providers to be essential in meeting the demands of these patients. In order to promote co‐operation, governments must know why and how particular relationships between providers come about. We argue that the nature of (resource) dependencies that are conditioned, shaped and secured by institutions determine the characteristics of these relationships. Using Dutch data, we illustrate the effect of legislation and government policies on dependencies and relationships. We indicate how government policy makers can shape dependence that is favourable to co‐operation.