Table 3.

Network SWOT analysis—strengths and weaknesses.

Competence network Long COVID Rhein-Neckar	Long COVID network Ludwigsburg
Strengths (internal) What strengths do we have as a network?
Characteristics - multidisciplinary-multispecialty networking with personal contacts - intersectoral approach - Network competence Collaboration - regional, familiar exchange - concrete interactions - Limited number of stakeholders in the advisory board allows for rapid exchange Activities - Fast and regular knowledge transfer - Continuing education structure Effects on medical care - Control of patient flows through more precise allocations, achievable to a limited extent/sub-area (e.g., children)	Characteristics - multidisciplinary-multispecialty cooperation with therapeutic and medical members Collaboration - Working at eye level - Improved exchange between physicians and therapists Activities - defined contact persons Effects on medical care - Appointments through the network more quickly - Specialist cardiology and pulmonology appointments made easier - Interfaces quickly accessible - Teamwork increases motivation of caregivers Effects across health systems - Self-affirmation through improved public perception
Weaknesses (internal) What weaknesses do we have as a network?
Collaboration - Still too little exchange and networking - Competence, but lack of concrete approaches for action and realization - Specific issues remain unresolved (e.g., in the area of children/youth) - Limited number of actors with regard to missing disciplines Network participation - Voluntary basis of participation - Lack of remuneration for commitment - Limited time commitment to the network Effects on medical care - Insufficient remuneration for medical care - Patients and services do not find each other - Persistent knowledge deficits resulting in underuse/misuse of (primary) health care services	Collaboration - No personal meeting yet; physical meeting as a goal Network participation - Participation rates in exchanges often low - Not all potential actors are reached/involved - Insufficient compensation for reimbursement—high level of private involvement Effects on medical care - Network resources do not match needs - Partly unmotivated referral of patients to the network or insufficient clarification of patients. - Lack of feedback from the therapists in some cases - High recording and bureaucratic effort especially for integrative activities