An Innovative Network Approach to Coordinating a National Effort to Improve Cardiovascular Health: The Case of Million Hearts

Abstract

The Million Hearts network described in this article is unique in its membership at the national level, agreement on outcomes, its powerful information-sharing abilities that require few resources, and its decentralized structure. We identified strategies that could be implemented to strengthen the network and its activities. By examining a national-level public-private partnership formed to address a public health issue, we can identify ways to strengthen the network and provide a framework for developing other initiatives.

Examining partnerships within an international knowledge translation network focused on youth mental health promotion

“…There is a need for more research examining how networks promote health impacts [1,3,23,27]. Information with respect to network relationships can be used to inform strategic development and to identify mechanisms that support change and accountability [3].…”

“…There is a need for more research examining how networks promote health impacts [1,3,23,27]. Information with respect to network relationships can be used to inform strategic development and to identify mechanisms that support change and accountability [3]. As such, the purpose of this paper is to apply SNA to the Frayme network in order to (1) examine the level and strength of partnerships, (2) identify the strategies being employed to promote the main objectives and (3) apply the findings to current research in youth mental health and system transformation.…”

“…In this case, the network we were examining included organisations, individual researchers and advisory groups in Canada and abroad that are part of the Frayme network. The sample was created from a bounded network [3], whereby a list of participants was generated from the broader network of Frayme partners. This list was developed through a discussion with the network's Scientific Director, the Director of Operations and the first author.…”

“…We utilised the PARTNER tool to perform the SNA [3,22]. The PARTNER tool includes a validated survey and analysis software designed to examine partner interconnections.…”

“…Systems transformation for health promotion, involving engagement from multiple disciplines and levels of influence, requires an investment in partnership development [1,2]. These collaborations function by leveraging resources, combining skill sets and addressing health issues that result from a range of factors [3]. In addition, researchers have argued that the analysis of social connections within networks is the most valuable way to reveal the smaller scale interactions that influence broad scale patterns [4].…”