Preliminary Findings from an Interventional Study using Network Analysis to Support Management in Local Health Departments in Florida

Authors

Chin S. Park, Columbia University, New York, NYFollow
Hado Byon, Columbia University, New York, NYFollow
Jonathan W. Keeling, Columbia University, New York, NYFollow
Leslie M. Beitsch, Florida State University College of MedicineFollow
Jacqueline A. Merrill, Columbia University, New York, NYFollow

Abstract

Management is the core service that integrates and coordinates essential public health services. Managers of local health departments (LHDs) are experts in practice but may not have expertise in organizational management. We conducted an evidence-based training intervention in 10 LHDs in Florida to support managers’ decision-making on organizational integration and coordination. We deployed a standard survey to collect organizational network measurements pre and post intervention. We presented results as evidence-based performance feedback and interviewed managers to document how they used the results in the context of each organization. Post intervention we found unexpected, significantly higher network centralization in daily work. We attributed this increase in hierarchical communication to preparations for a statewide accreditation initiative. When QI initiatives are undertaken globally within a state, managers and leaders need to be alert for possible impact on autonomous decision-making of professionals at the point of service which could affect service delivery.

Recommended Citation

Park CS, Byon H, Keeling JW, Beitsch LM, Merrill JA. Preliminary Findings from an Interventional Study using Network Analysis to Support Management in Local Health Departments in Florida. Front Public Health Serv Syst Res 2013; 2(6).
DOI: 10.13023/FPHSSR.0206.06