Table 2 External factors and preconditions before starting the implementation that can influence the implementation process

Characteristics of case management

Facilitating

Using existing non-dementia case management models as example

Impeding

Disagreement about content of case manager tasks

Partners do not see the added value of a case manager who only mediates

Speed of implementation depends on mentality and cultural values of the region

Time and other operational preconditions

Facilitating

Sufficient time to set up an organizational structure

Impeding

Professionals don't have innovation time; consensus among many collaboration partners takes time

No clear guidelines for implementation

Human and financial resources

Facilitating

Retraining district nurses to become case managers facilitates collaboration with the GP as they have pre-existing partnerships

Presence of a clear initiator of the implementation

Impeding

Proliferation of different types of case managers created friction among providers

Lack of clarity about the role of the project leader (not knowing who is their superior)

Organizational conditions

Facilitating

Embedding case management in Mental Health Care promotes collaboration

Embedding the multidisciplinary expert team in case management organization

Good collaboration between case managers from competitive providers provides the opportunity to learn from each other

Case managers from one provider all working in the same room enhances sparring and consultation

Presence of a Board of Representatives to guide the dementia care network.

Presence of fixed stakeholders at partners in the dementia care network whom case managers can contact

Impeding

Presence of competitive providers of case management within the dementia care network

Different interests of the Board of Representatives; incomplete attendance during meetings; members without mandate to make decisions.

Expert team doe not function properly; difficult to reach clinicians as members participate only a few hours per week.

Lack of clarity about who is responsible for what aspects of implementation and collaboration

Only incorporating dementia care partners with the strongest pre-existing relationships at the start