Rapid organizational network analysis to assess coordination of services for HIV testing clients: an exploratory study

J HIV AIDS Soc Serv. 2018;17(1):16-31. doi: 10.1080/15381501.2017.1384779. Epub 2017 Dec 15.

Abstract

Recognizing that HIV testing provides a gateway opportunity to connect with at-risk populations, we explored an approach to collect, analyze and present data on the network of connections between HIV testing organizations and other health and social service agencies operating in Durham County, NC. We surveyed 26 health and social service organizations, including 6 providing HIV testing services, and presented the results including frequency tabulations, network visualizations and metrics, and GIS maps to the participating organizations. Mapping the landscape of organizational relationships was seen as a practical and expedient approach to facilitating cross-sector collaborative efforts to improve community health.

Keywords: GIS; HIV testing; Service referral; Southern U.S.; community health system; cross-sector collaboration; organizational network analysis; prevention.