Exploration of conflict theory as it relates to healthy alliances

Abstract

In the mid-1980s experience of interagency collaboration evolved through the implementation of the community care reforms. For almost all participants’ involvement in interagency work was additional to their professional tasks. In addition, as with later experiences of joint working, members found that they knew very little about methods of decision-making and the constraints on the action of other agencies (Carpenter, 1995). Differences in culture were compounded by differences in language and interpretation. By 1992 the term healthy alliances (Department of Health, 1992; Powell, 1992) was coined for the purposes of establishing arrangements for joint working, collaboration and co-operation between district health authorities and other agencies in order to work towards the achievement of The Health of the Nation targets (Speller et al., 1994). Recognition of the tremendous value that alliances can offer has already been acknowledged and promoted through The Health of the Nation progress reports. More recently, Fit for the Future (Department of Health, 1995) highlighted the significant commitment and enthusiasm for adopting the alliance approach from over 300 entries for the Health Alliance Awards Scheme for 1994.