Social network analysis and its application in health service evaluation

Janet C. Long; Kate Churruca; Louise A. Ellis

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-87869-5_15

Social network analysis and its application in health service evaluation

Janet C. Long^*, Kate Churruca, Louise A. Ellis

^*Corresponding author for this work

Australian Institute of Health Innovation

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

Abstract

Social network research is a unique method that maps and measures relationships and social processes. It is used in health services evaluation to assess a range of key processes such as robustness of referral networks, reach and inclusiveness of communication, and patterns around seeking advice. Data can be extracted from documents, or collected through observation, survey, or interview. Specialist software can produce engaging maps of the data and compute metrics. These can reveal optimally structured networks, identify gaps in information flows, or key players that perform a special role in the network whose position may require additional support. This chapter outlines how social network analysis can be used in health service evaluations.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Handbook of Health Services Evaluation
Subtitle of host publication	Theories, Methods, and Innovative Practices
Editors	Axel Kaehne, Julie Feather
Place of Publication	Cham
Publisher	Springer, Springer Nature
Pages	267-283
Number of pages	17
ISBN (Electronic)	9783031878695
ISBN (Print)	9783031878688
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87869-5_15
Publication status	Published - 29 Jul 2025

Keywords

Social network analysis
Network theory
Communication
Referral
Advice-seeking

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10.1007/978-3-031-87869-5_15

Cite this

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Social network analysis and its application in health service evaluation. / Long, Janet C.; Churruca, Kate ; Ellis, Louise A.
Handbook of Health Services Evaluation: Theories, Methods, and Innovative Practices. ed. / Axel Kaehne; Julie Feather. Cham: Springer, Springer Nature, 2025. p. 267-283.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

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KW - Network theory

KW - Communication

KW - Referral

KW - Advice-seeking

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Social network analysis and its application in health service evaluation

Abstract

Keywords

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