CONTINUOUS HEALTH CARE UNITS AS INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORKS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY*

The main aspect for investigation at thefoundation of this study is knowledge andunderstanding of continuous health care unitsas inter-organizational networks. Thus, a phenomenological methodology was adopted. Two major units of signi cance (themes) were identi ed:(1) obstacles in the continuous health care networkrelated to dif cult connection to the Hospital sector and (2) professionals’ lack of speci c training.However, the main inferences and conclusions of this study refer to the importance of continuouscare in the health and social service sectors. Someimplications, limitations and suggestions for futureinvestigation in the area of public management arealso presented.