title: Mapping and changing informal nurse leadership communication pathways in a health system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Social network analysis (SNA) is increasingly being used to provide a visual and quantitative analysis of relationships among groups of staff and other subjects of interest. This paper examines the role SNA can play in identifying existing networks, and measures the impact of participation in brief task-focused project groups on the underlying communication pathways.
  
  
  METHODS
  An SNA of a closed group of nurse leaders was conducted in a health system in Scotland, UK. Data were collected on two occasions 6 months apart. Analysis of both whole network and individual node-based (nurse leader) measures were undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis revealed that the initial network structure was related to functional departments. By establishing task and finish groups, network density and other key measures could be improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SNA is a useful tool in mapping existing networks and evaluating how these can be strengthened through the use of task orientated project work. This easy-to-use technique can provide useful insights and a means of targeting management action to improve communication pathways in a moderately large and complex nurse leadership group. Further clinical and academic potential uses of the technique are suggested.
authors.affiliation: International Council of Nurses, Geneva, Switzerland. Electronic address: dcbenton.swiss@gmail.com.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Benton
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009726:Nurses; D012606:Scotland; D060756:Social Networking
keywords: knowledge management; leadership; social networking; team nursing