Injury-related infant deaths: a state analysis of a public health, health care, policy network

Authors

Sharla Smith, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
Xi Zhu, University of IowaFollow
Mary Aitken, University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesFollow

Abstract

Introduction: This research examines a state-level public health, health care, and policy network focused on efforts to reduce unintentional childhood injuries. The network is composed of 12 organizations: four public health, four health care, and four policy.

Methods: A 23-item survey was administered to the 12 organizations between January and June 2015. Analyses were conducted using HyperResearch and UCInet 6.

Results: More organizations worked together on assessment and planning efforts that identify and quantify the nature of at-risk infants in the community and strategies for reducing injury-related infant deaths. The Injury Prevention Center, the most central organization, interacted most frequently with organizations in an effort to reduce unintentional childhood injuries.

Implications: The identification of these relationships, central organization, and the level of importance viewed by the network organizations may help create an integrated network positioned to change and improve service and program delivery as well as policy.

Recommended Citation

Smith S, Zhu X, Aitken M. Injury-related infant deaths: a state analysis of a public health, health care, policy network. Front Public Health Serv Sys Res 2016; 5(3):21–7. DOI: 10.13023/FPHSSR.0503.04.