Characterizing a community health partnership in Dominican Republic: Network mapping and analysis of stakeholder perceptions

Abstract

Background: Medical trainees complete learning experiences abroad to fulfil global health curricular elements, but this participation has been steadily criticized as fulfilling learner objectives at the cost of host communities. This study uses network and qualitative analyses in characterizing a community coalition in order to better understand its various dimensions and to explore the perceived benefits it provided towards optimizing community outcomes.Methods: Data from a semi-structured survey was used for network and qualitative analyses. Partner linkages were assessed using network analysis tool UCINET 6 (version 6.6). Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative responses around the perceived coalition strengths and weaknesses. Medical Education Journal 2018, 9(2) e61 Results: Network analysis confirmed that local member organizations were key network influencers based on reported formal agreements, general interactions, and information shared. While sharing of resources was rare, qualitative analysis suggested that information sharing contributed to engagement, enthusiasm, and communication that allowed visiting partners to expand their understanding of community needs and shift their focus beyond learner objectives. Canadian Conclusion:Global health programs for medical students should consider the use of community health coalitions to optimally align the work undertaken by learners on global health experiences abroad. Network mapping can help educators and coalition partners visualize interactions and identify value.

Understanding the Development, Evaluation, and Sustainability of Community Health Networks Using Social Network Analysis: A Scoping Review

“…These included size, number of connections, cohesion (level of participation, density, and centralization), function (information sharing or referrals), and integration. 16,17,22,58-90 Eight studies identified organizations central to the network and/or network brokers (organizations serving as a bridge between other organizations) and characterized how those organizations positively contribute to network development. Another 5 studies identified and characterized sub-networks which included smaller groups of organizations within the overall network.…”

Using online social networks to provide a parental health-education intervention for preventing unintentional injuries among children aged 0–3 years: A randomized controlled trial and social network analysis in Shanghai, China

“…Social-network analysis (SNA) is a major social-science methodology that is used to analyze characteristics of social relationships; for example, sharing of values, capital, and knowledge among social units such as individuals, groups, and societies ( 34 – 36 ). In the health-care field, SNA has been widely used to characterize aspects such as relationships ( 37 , 38 ), chronic disease management ( 39 ) and infectious disease ( 40 ); however, there has been little SNA-based investigation in relation to health education ( 41 ). A scoping review stated that SNA can not only be used to explore the function of complex interventions across different phases ( 42 ), but that SNA can graphically illustrate hidden relations between group members in social networks ( 43 – 45 ).…”