z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Using Social Networking to Understand Social Networks: Analysis of a Mobile Phone Closed User Group Used by a Ghanaian Health Team
Author(s) -
Nadi Nina Kaonga,
Alain Labrique,
Patricia Mechael,
Eric Akosah,
Seth Ohemeng-Dapaah,
Joseph Sakyi Baah,
Richmond Kodie,
Andrew S. Kanter,
Orin S. Levine
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
jmir. journal of medical internet research/journal of medical internet research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.446
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1439-4456
pISSN - 1438-8871
DOI - 10.2196/jmir.2332
Subject(s) - mobile phone , social network analysis , social network (sociolinguistics) , phone , knowledge management , world wide web , computer science , social media , telecommunications , linguistics , philosophy
Background The network structure of an organization influences how well or poorly an organization communicates and manages its resources. In the Millennium Villages Project site in Bonsaaso, Ghana, a mobile phone closed user group has been introduced for use by the Bonsaaso Millennium Villages Project Health Team and other key individuals. No assessment on the benefits or barriers of the use of the closed user group had been carried out. Objective The purpose of this research was to make the case for the use of social network analysis methods to be applied in health systems research—specifically related to mobile health. Methods This study used mobile phone voice records of, conducted interviews with, and reviewed call journals kept by a mobile phone closed user group consisting of the Bonsaaso Millennium Villages Project Health Team. Social network analysis methodology complemented by a qualitative component was used. Monthly voice data of the closed user group from Airtel Bharti Ghana were analyzed using UCINET and visual depictions of the network were created using NetDraw. Interviews and call journals kept by informants were analyzed using NVivo. Results The methodology was successful in helping identify effective organizational structure. Members of the Health Management Team were the more central players in the network, rather than the Community Health Nurses (who might have been expected to be central). Conclusions Social network analysis methodology can be used to determine the most productive structure for an organization or team, identify gaps in communication, identify key actors with greatest influence, and more. In conclusion, this methodology can be a useful analytical tool, especially in the context of mobile health, health services, and operational and managerial research.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here