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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Public Health | Research

Trust-building in temporary public health partnerships: a qualitative study of the partnership formation process of a Covid-19 test, trace and protect service

Authors: Eva Krczal, Doris A. Behrens

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Public health initiatives require coordinated efforts from healthcare, social services and other service providers. Organisational theory tells us that trust is essential for reaching collaborative effectiveness. This paper explores the drivers for initiating and sustaining trust in a temporary public health partnership, in response to a sudden health threat.

Methods

This qualitative study analysed the formation process of a multisector partnership for a Covid-19 contact tracing service. Data was collected through 12 interviews, two focus groups, one feedback workshop, and an online survey with workforce members from all seven partner organisations. Purposive maximum variation sampling was used to capture the reflections and experiences of workforce members from all seven partner organisations. A deductive code scheme was used to identify drivers for building and sustaining trust in inter-organisational collaboration.

Results

Relational mechanisms emanating from the commitment to the common aim, shared norms and values, and partnership structures affected trust-building. Shared values and the commitment to the common aim appeared to channel partners’ behaviour when interacting, resulting in being perceived as a fair, reliable and supportive partner. Shared values were congruent with the design of the partnership in terms of governance structure and communication lines reflecting flat hierarchies and shared decision-making power. Tensions between partner organisations arose when shared values were infringed.

Conclusions

When managing trust in a collaboration, partners should consider structural components like governance structure, organisational hierarchy, and communication channels to ensure equal power distribution. Job rotation, recruitment of candidates with the desired personality traits and attitudes, as well as training and development, encourage inter-organisational networking among employees, which is essential for building and strengthening relationships with partner organisations. Partners should also be aware of managing relational dynamics, channelling behaviours through shared values, objectives and priorities and fostering mutual support and equality among partner organisations.

Available only for authorised users

The Contact Tracing Governance and Delivery Framework represents the collaboration agreement between partner organisations. It contains the purpose, collective aim and objectives of the service, the principles of the service, the organisational structure of the service, and the roles and responsibilities of partner organisations and groups. The latter formed the governance structure of the partnership: strategic planning and decision-making was executed in several groups with representatives from partner organisations.

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Title: Trust-building in temporary public health partnerships: a qualitative study of the partnership formation process of a Covid-19 test, trace and protect service
Authors: Eva Krczal
Doris A. Behrens
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Public Health
COVID-19
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10930-3

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Trust-building in temporary public health partnerships: a qualitative study of the partnership formation process of a Covid-19 test, trace and protect service

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Background

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