title: Social network analysis for program implementation.
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.
authors.affiliation: Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Valente
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
authors.forename: Lawrence A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Palinkas
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Czaja
authors.affiliation: Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
authors.forename: Kar-Hai
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
authors.forename: C Hendricks
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006296:Health Services; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016730:Program Development; D061108:Social Media; D060756:Social Networking; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000534:rehabilitation