Keeping the Myth Alive: Network Coordinators Facing the Challenges of Public Action in the Belgian Mental Health Sector

TL;DR

This thesis examines the challenges faced by network coordinators in Belgium's mental health sector, revealing the difficulties in achieving effective coordination.

Contribution

The study introduces a critical analysis of network coordinators' roles and the limitations of current coordination models in mental health.

Findings

Network coordinators face a mandate that is promising but unachievable.

Successful coordinators are rare, indicating limitations in the current network model.

Coordination initiatives often lead to disillusionment among professionals.

Abstract

This thesis explored the issue of coordination in the Belgian mental health sector, focusing on “network coordinators” introduced through public policies setting up local networks to counter fragmentation. Using a qualitative and ethnographic methodology, the author examined the work of these new professionals from four perspectives: instruments, practices, knowledge and experience. Describing the contours of a promising but unachievable mandate, this thesis explained the disillusionment that they experience. Finally, it took a critical look at these coordination initiatives by showing the rareness of the “successful coordinator” and highlighting the limits of the network model as it is currently conceived.