Guidelines To Enhance Cooperation:Among Rural Providers, Systems & Insurers

An Executive Summary

 Adopted August 1st, 1997 at the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative Forum

 

It is the purpose of this Statement to identify and promote behaviors that encourage cooperation in rural communities, from the perspective of rural providers as well as regional systems and insurers.

 

 

Principle #1: Respect the Need to Effect One's Own Future

 

The preference for autonomy needs to be respected through the promotion of collaborative solutions that enhance the local delivery of health care and the health of the community.

 

 

Principle #2: Involve the Community and Providers in the Planning Process

 

The planning is interactive, with the plan for the joint enterprise being the result of, and feeding into, the plans of local and regional participants.

 

 

Principle #3: Assure All Participants Know They Are Needed

 

All participants must know that they are needed for the success of the joint enterprise.

 

 

Principle #4: Share Your Big Picture

 

Participants need to know where the joint enterprise is headed.

 

 

Principle #5: Agree on Methods of Accountability Up Front

 

Participants must always know up front what the rules are and what is expected of them.

 

 

Principle # 6: Assure that a Fair System of Arbitration is Available

 

A clear non-threatening arbitration mechanism in case of contractual or other disputes should be agreed to before disputes arise.

 

 

Principle #7: Design an Approach Where Participation Must Makes Sense

 

Organizations may start participating to explore a groups potential; they remain only if they perceive that they are receiving a good return on their investment of time and money.

 

 

Principle #8: Make Yourself a Partner Who Can Be Trusted

 

Develop a relationship based primarily on mutual trust so that the collaborative effort is not limited to the minimum performance inherent in written agreements.

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