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Social Network Analysis in Public Health Systems: A Conceptual Analysis
Objective. The objectives of this conceptual analysis are to determine if published research suggests a link between “social network analysis” and “public health information systems,” and to create a concept map that links these two domains.
Methods. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Sociological Abstracts databases, using the terms “network analysis” combined with “public health” or “health”. Inclusion criteria were articles on the application of SNA in public health. A concept map was constructed from a content analysis of resulting articles.
Results. The database search retrieved 2554 articles; 34 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed for common themes and network measures used. Elements of the concepts “network analysis” and “public health systems” are depicted as a concept map and connected at points where they may be associated. Information derived from transmission networks feeds into communicable disease surveillance systems, part of the structural capacity of the public health system.
Discussion. The public health system is comprised of complex social and organizational networks that can be described and analyzed by SNA. Network measures of centrality, density, cohesion, and betweenness discerned communication patterns, relationship connectivities, and resource dependencies between actors in various public health settings. The concept map illustrates inferred linkages between identity of information systems as social networks and performance measurements of information systems.
Conclusion. A concept map was a useful tool to identify connections between SNA and components of the public health system. As one of those components, disease surveillance systems could use SNA to evaluate performance
*Luke. 2007. Network analysis in public health. ARPH 28:69-73
Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public healthPublic health or related research
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health
Learning Objectives:
Define social network analysis (SNA) and identify its principal components.
Identify primary elements of the public health system.
Explain the connections between social network analysis and the public health system.
Identify public health information systems as “social networks” and explain the proposed use of social network analysis to evaluate the performance of disease surveillance systems.
Describe the value of a concept map to analyze and associate complex topics.
Keyword(s): Community-Based Partnership & Collaboration, Organizational Change
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a 2008 graduate of the CDC Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program, and have presented and published on informatics and medical library topics. My dissertation research focuses on social network analysis for evaluation of public health information systems. My poster on EHR adoption in Texas long-term care facilities received the Paul D. Boyle Research Award at the Fall 2012 Poster Day competition at the School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.