Social network analysis as an analytic tool for interaction patterns in primary care practices.
Ann Fam Med
; 3(5): 443-8, 2005.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16189061
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Social network analysis (SNA) provides a way of quantitatively analyzing relationships among people or other information-processing agents. Using 2 practices as illustrations, we describe how SNA can be used to characterize and compare communication patterns in primary care practices.METHODS:
Based on data from ethnographic field notes, we constructed matrices identifying how practice members interact when practice-level decisions are made. SNA software (UCINet and KrackPlot) calculates quantitative measures of network structure including density, centralization, hierarchy and clustering coefficient. The software also generates a visual representation of networks through network diagrams.RESULTS:
The 2 examples show clear distinctions between practices for all the SNA measures. Potential uses of these measures for analysis of primary care practices are described.CONCLUSIONS:
SNA can be useful for quantitative analysis of interaction patterns that can distinguish differences among primary care practices.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Practice Management, Medical
/
Primary Health Care
/
Decision Making
/
Family Practice
/
Interprofessional Relations
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Language:
En
Journal:
Ann Fam Med
Journal subject:
MEDICINA DE FAMILIA E COMUNIDADE
Year:
2005
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States