“For two years, KPMG has conducted research into PNA activity in healthcare, involving interviews with dozens of clients, a review of many KPMG PNA [partnerships, networks and alliances] projects — both forming and reforming PNAs — as well as a the culmination of our Global Center of Excellence for Healthcare knowledge, and a literature search of existing research. The result, this report, that identifies six factors which make successful partnerships, networks and alliances.

1. PNAs are successful when they are the product of long-term strategy — demanding vision.
2. PNAs are driven by the need to innovate, coordinate service delivery or open up new markets.
3. Focusing on quality is better than focusing on size or money.
4. The best PNAs expand upon opportunities beyond their original mission.
5. Avoiding failure requires strong payer-provider alliances.
6. Tension, flexibility and self-criticism are more important than the model. In the following report, we expand on each of these factors. At the end of each, we set out the most important issues for healthcare organizations to consider.

The report concludes with a maturity matrix outlining the levels of sophistication KPMG commonly finds among clients thinking about PNA. This is a useful tool for organizations wishing to improve their use of PNA by understanding which factors they are already strong on and which require most improvement.”