Operationalisation of the measure of formalisation
| Hall et al 1967 typology | Operationalisation in this study |
| A. Roles | |
| The degree to which the positions in the organisation are concretely defined. | Non-physicians’ professional roles are divided according to ‘care modules’ mostly based on diseases. For example, diabetes, mental health, (yes=2, to some extent=1, no=0). |
| B. Authority relations | |
| The degree to which the authority structure is formalised (clear definition of the hierarchy of authority). | There are formal rules that specify which patients will be treated by which professional (yes=2, to some extent=1, no=0). |
| C. Communications | |
| The degree of emphasis on written communications. | An electronic health record (EHR) system is used to communicate patient information between professionals within the team (yes=2, EHR exists but is not the main communication tool=1, no=0). |
| The degree of emphasis ongoing through established channels in the communications process. | Professionals will have team discussions on complex patients (systematically=2, if needed=1, informal chats only=0). |
| D. Norms and sanctions | |
| The no of written rules and policies. | Collective prescription rules are in place to structure non-physicians’ capacity to provide drugs to patients they treat (yes=2, some=1, none=0). |
| E. Procedures | |
| The degree of formalisation of orientation programmes for new members (systematic socialisation for all new entrants). | Work within the team is structured according to formal teamlets (yes=2, yes, but with flexibility=1, no=0). |