Social network analysis for farmers' hearing services in a rural community.
This study aimed to define current hearing health service networks for farming families in a major regional centre in New South Wales, in order to identify approaches that can strengthen local service provision. A pilot survey of individuals and agencies that potentially work with farmers was undertaken and a social network analysis completed to assess the self-reported links of agencies with each other. Thirteen agencies with a role in hearing health service provision participated with results indicating that nurse audiometrists, WorkCover NSW and agricultural retailers have the lead role in disseminating relevant information within the network. For client referrals the nurse audiometrist, private audiometry services, general practitioners, ear, nose and throat specialists and industry groups played the major roles. Social network analysis can assist in defining hearing health networks and can be used to highlight potential actions that can strengthen networks to enhance services for farmers and their families.
Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, University of Sydney, PO Box 256, Moree, NSW 2400, Australia. tonylower@gmail.com
Tony E
TE
Lower
Lyn
L
Fragar
Julie
J
Depcynzksi
Jeffrey
J
Fuller
Kathy
K
Challinor
Warwick
W
Williams
D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D009517:New South Wales; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*