Abstract
This paper introduces the use of social network analysis theory and tools for implementation research. The social network perspective is useful for understanding, monitoring, influencing, or evaluating the implementation process when programs, policies, practices, or principles are designed and scaled up or adapted to different settings. We briefly describe common barriers to implementation success and relate them to the social networks of implementation stakeholders. We introduce a few simple measures commonly used in social network analysis and discuss how these measures can be used in program implementation. Using the four stage model of program implementation (exploration, adoption, implementation, and sustainment) proposed by Aarons and colleagues [1] and our experience in developing multi-sector partnerships involving community leaders, organizations, practitioners, and researchers, we show how network measures can be used at each stage to monitor, intervene, and improve the implementation process. Examples are provided to illustrate these concepts. We conclude with expected benefits and challenges associated with this approach.
Highlights
This paper briefly introduces the Social network analysis (SNA) field and outlines and details ways that SNA can contribute to the implementation process for evidence-based programs, practices, policies, and principles
In the applications presented in this paper, we focus primarily on social networks of individuals during development, design, implementation, and monitoring of behavior change programs, but acknowledge these networks could be of organizations, agencies, coalitions, and so on
There are at least five actions interventionists can perform using social network techniques during the exploration /needs assessment phase: (1) determine if there is a network, (2) identify isolated or marginal individuals or groups, (3) identify individuals or groups to engage in program design, (4) determine if there are subgroups that might need to be brought together, and (5) determine if individual or group attributes are associated with network ties or structures
Summary
This paper introduces the use of social network analysis theory and tools for implementation research. The social network perspective is useful for understanding, monitoring, influencing, or evaluating the implementation process when programs, policies, practices, or principles are designed and scaled up or adapted to different settings. We briefly describe common barriers to implementation success and relate them to the social networks of implementation stakeholders. We introduce a few simple measures commonly used in social network analysis and discuss how these measures can be used in program implementation. Using the four stage model of program implementation (exploration, adoption, implementation, and sustainment) proposed by Aarons and colleagues [1] and our experience in developing multi-sector partnerships involving community leaders, organizations, practitioners, and researchers, we show how network measures can be used at each stage to monitor, intervene, and improve the implementation process.
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