# 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.

## Key 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.