Exploration of the integration of care for persons with a traumatic brain injury using social network analysis methodology

摘要

Introduction : Integration is a popular strategy to increase the quality of care within systems of care. However, there is no common language,approach or tool allowing for a valid description, comparison and evaluation of integrated care. Social network analysis could be aviable methodology to provide an objective picture of integrated networks. Goal of the article : To illustrate social network analysis use in the context of systems of care for traumatic brain injury. Method : We surveyed members of a network using a validated questionnaire to determine the links between them. We determined thedensity, centrality, multiplexity, and quality of the links reported. Results : The network was described as moderately dense (0.6), the most prevalent link was knowledge, and four organisation membersof a consortium were central to the network. Social network analysis allowed us to create a graphic representation of the network. Conclusion : Social network analysis is a useful methodology to objectively characterise integrated networks.