Table 2

Could I, should I, start a network? Questions to answer

QuestionAnswer
What is a critical mass of relevant patients?Enough to populate a clinic every 3–4 months
Will my patients benefit from a local arrangement?Requirement to proceed
Do I want to do more of the work locally?Requirement to proceed
Do I have the time?Find it
Will the hub be interested?Highly likely
Will my local colleagues be interested?Not essential, initially
Will other hospitals get involved?If yes, a significant strength
Will my managers be interested?Possibly not
Could my mangers be obstructive?Possibly, unless projected efficiency and patient satisfaction appreciated at outset
What do I want to achieve?Map out your ambitions