Who Delivers Maternal and Child Health Services? The Contributions of Public Health and Other Community Partners.

Policy Points Local health departments with direct maternal and child health service provisions exhibit greater social service collaboration, thereby enhancing community capacity to improve health care access and social determinant support. These findings may prioritize collaboration as a community-based effort to reduce disparities in maternal and child health and chronic disease. CONTEXT: Improving maternal and child health (MCH) care in the United States requires solutions to address care access and the social determinants that contribute to health disparities. Direct service provision of MCH services by local health departments (LHDs) may substitute or complement public health services provided by other community organizations, impacting local service delivery capacity. We measured MCH service provision among LHDs and examined its association with patterns of social service collaboration among community partners. METHODS: We analyzed the 2018 National Longitudinal Survey of Public Health Systems and 2016 National Association of County and City Health Officials Profile data to measure the LHD provision of MCH services and the types of social services involved in the implementation of essential public health activities. We compared the extensive and intensive margins of social service collaboration among LHDs with any versus no MCH service provision. We then used latent class analysis (LCA) to classify collaboration and logistic regression to estimate community correlates of collaboration. FINDINGS: Of 620 LHDs, 527 (85%) provided at least one of seven observed MCH services. The most common service was Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (71%), and the least common was obstetric care (15%). LHDs with MCH service provision were significantly more likely to collaborate with all types of social service organizations. LCA identified two classes of LHDs: high (n = 257; 49%) and low (n = 270; 51%) collaborators. Between 74% and 96% of high collaborators were engaged with social service organizations that provided basic needs services, compared with 31%-60% of low collaborators. Rurality and very high maternal vulnerability were significantly correlated with low collaboration among MCH service-providing LHDs. CONCLUSIONS: LHDs with direct MCH service provision exhibited greater social service collaboration. Collaboration was lowest in rural communities and communities with very high maternal vulnerability. Over half of MCH service-providing LHDs were classified as low collaborators, suggesting unrealized opportunities for social service engagement in these communities.

Patient presentations to an after-hours general practice, an urgent care clinic and an emergency department on Sundays: a comparative, observational study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to determine which factors are associated with 6,065 patient presentations with non-life-threatening urgent conditions (NLTUCs) to an after-hours general practice, an urgent care clinic (UCC) and an emergency department (ED) on Sundays in Southeast Queensland (Qld). DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A retrospective, comparative and observational study was conducted involving the auditing of medical records of patients with NLTUCs consulting three medical services between 0,800 and 1,700 h, on Sundays, over a one-year period. The study was limited to 6,065 patients. FINDINGS: There were statistically significant differences in choice of location according to age, number of postcodes from the patient's residence, time of the day, season, patient presentations for infection and injury, non-infectious, non-injurious conditions of the circulatory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, and need for imaging, pathology, plastering/back-slab application, splinting and wound closure. Older adults were more likely to be admitted to the hospital and Ed Short Stay Unit, compared with other age groups. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Based on international models of UCC healthcare systems in United Kingdom (UK), USA and New Zealand (NZ) and the results of this study, it is recommended that UCCs in Australia have extended hours, walk-in availability, access to on-site radiology, ability to treat fractures and wounds and staffing by medical practitioners able to manage these conditions. Recommendations also include setting a national standard for UCC operation (National Urgent Care Centre Accreditation, 2018; NHS, 2020; RNZCUC, 2015) and requirements for vocational registration for medical practitioners (National Urgent Care Centre Accreditation, 2018; RNZCUC, 2015; The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, 2021a, b). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study has highlighted three key areas for future research: first, research involving general practitioners (GPs), emergency physicians, urgent care physicians, nurse practitioners, urgent care pharmacists and paramedics could help to predict the type of patients more accurately, patient presentations and associated comorbidities that might be encouraged to attend or be diverted to Urgent Care Clinics. Second, larger studies of more facilities and more patients could improve the accuracy and generalisability of the findings. Lastly, studies of public health messaging need to be undertaken to determine how best to encourage patients with NLTUCs (especially infections and injuries) to present to UCCs. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The Urgent Care Clinic model has existed in developed countries since 1973. The adoption of this model in Australia close to a patient's home, open extended hours and with onsite radiology could provide a community option, to ED, for NLTUCs (especially patient presentations with infections and injuries). ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study reviewed three types of medical facilities for the management of NLTUCs. They were an after-hours general practice, an urgent care clinic and an emergency department. This study found that the patient choice of destination depends on the ability of the service to manage their NLTUCs, patient age, type of condition, postcodes lived away from the facility, availability of testing and provision of consumables. This study also provides recommendations for the development of an urgent care healthcare system in Australia based on international models and includes requirements for extended hours, walk-in availability, radiology on-site, national standard and national requirements for vocational registration for medical professionals.

Produção do cuidado e integralidade à saúde: perspectivas a partir do Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves / Production of care and integrality to health: perspectives from Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves

Na perspectiva de pensar novos arranjos que proporcionem mudanças significativas na gestão da clínica e na articulação em rede, o hospital pode se constituir para além de uma estação cuidadora, em um observatório da rede, capaz de integrar e potencializar o cuidado no território. Nesse contexto, esta tese buscou analisar a produção do cuidado dentro do hospital e os dispositivos utilizados para a garantia do cuidado integral, o processo de alta e a continuidade do cuidado na perspectiva dos sujeitos sociais que o constituem. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, do tipo pesquisa interferência em saúde. A pesquisa interferência busca captar os efeitos produzidos no campo de estudo a partir das interferências do e com o pesquisador, capturando as conexões e ruídos percebidos, problematizando o discurso institucional e pessoal, e produzindo múltiplos sentidos que ultrapassam as certezas da ciência hegemônica. O cenário de estudo foi o Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves (HRTN), hospital geral de 420 leitos, referência para a porção norte da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte/MG, com atendimento 100% SUS. A pesquisa foi definidas em quatro fases, a saber: Revisão integrativa sobre continuidade do cuidado e integralidade da atenção, identificando dispositivos e estratégias utilizadas para essa construção a partir do hospital (fase 1); Análise do perfil assistencial dos pacientes atendidos HRTN, a partir da análise dos dados do DRG - Grupos de Diagnósticos Relacionados (fase 2); Análise da produção do cuidado, das relações interprofissionais dentro do hospital e dos dispositivos institucionais existentes para qualificação do cuidado (fase 3); Análise do acesso e barreiras na Rede de Atenção à Saúde no processo desospitalização a partir de serviços guia (fase 4). A investigação que originou essa tese, teve seu trabalho de campo desenvolvido no período de setembro de 2019 a junho de 2022, período em que foram realizadas diversas interferências com os atores do campo em estudo. A produção dos dados se deu por meio de diferentes técnicas: entrevistas individuais com roteiros semiestruturados, grupos focais, observação e registro em diário de campo do pesquisador. O primeiro momento do estudo consistiu na imersão na instituição para compreender a realidade e contexto local. Posteriormente, foram realizadas treze entrevistas em profundidade, conduzidas pela pesquisadora principal, com gestores e coordenadores do hospital. Também foram realizados dois grupos focais, em plantões diferentes, com os trabalhadores do hospital, cerca de 22 profissionais participaram, entre eles fisioterapeutas, enfermeiros, técnicos de enfermagem, médicos, assistentes sociais, psicólogos, fonoaudiólogos, nutricionistas, farmacêuticos, auxiliar administrativo e radiologista. Todo o processo de análise dos dados seguiu a técnica de análise de conteúdo temático. Para discutir os dados, foram utilizados os referenciais teóricos de integralidade e produção do cuidado, e os estudos encontrados na revisão integrativa, realizada como primeira fase da investigação, além de trabalhos de autores referência e relevantes para este estudo incorporados ao longo da investigação. A revisão de literatura identificou dispositivos intra-hospitalares, pressupondo práticas organizativas e relacionais para atingir um cuidado integral em hospitais brasileiros e de outros países. Os dados empíricos dessa investigação evidenciaram dispositivos que contribuem para a construção de novas práticas de gestão e cuidado e reestruturação do trabalho, como o projeto Lean nas Emergências e ferramentas do Fast Track, Kanban e Huddle; o Núcleo Interno de Regulação (NIR); a atuação dos médicos hospitalistas, comanejadores e coordenadores de plantão; a atuação da equipe de atenção domiciliar dentro do hospital discutindo os casos para a desospitalização; implantação do ambulatório de egresso; participação do controle social; e os dispositivos para a gestão interdisciplinar, como as corridas de leito multidisciplinares, discussões de casos, construção compartilhada dos projetos terapêuticos, preparação dos cuidadores familiares e encaminhamentos responsáveis para a rede de Belo Horizonte e municípios vizinhos. Além disso, foi possível observar avanços e desafios em relação a continuidade do cuidado na rede, como a articulação no território para que esse paciente seja bem assistido, desde o acesso ao transporte até a garantia de insumos e medicações para a continuidade do tratamento pós alta. No entanto, ainda se observam desafios como a continuidade do cuidado ao paciente crônico e a transferência de casos mais complexos que não conseguem garantia da continuidade da atenção. As experiências vivenciadas apontam para a micropolítica do trabalho das equipes de saúde que nos seus modos de produção de cuidado avançam para a incorporação da concepção da integralidade nas linhas de cuidado. Os profissionais compreendem que o cuidado não se restringe à sua ação e que tanto os profissionais quanto os pacientes são responsáveis pelo cuidado. Recomenda-se que as instituições hospitalares designem um profissional para coordenar o processo de alta hospitalar do paciente, promovendo advocacy para o paciente. Além do estímulo à promoção de planos terapêuticos compartilhados com as equipes interdisciplinares, com novas tecnologias do cuidado, e uma gestão mais compartilhada. Por fim, identificou-se que o hospital enquanto observatório da rede requer, de maneira cooperativa com os demais serviços, o compromisso com as necessidades dos usuários, enfrentando as tensões existes no campo micropolítico, para que a integralidade do cuidado esteja presente na lógica do cuidado.

From the perspective of thinking of new arrangements that provide significant changes in the management of the clinic and in the network articulation, the hospital can be constituted beyond a caregiving station, in an observatory of the network, capable of integrating and enhancing care in the territory. In this context, this thesis sought to analyze the production of care within the hospital and the devices used to guarantee comprehensive care, the discharge process and the continuity of care from the perspective of the social subjects that constitute it. This is a qualitative study, of the type research interference in health. The interference research seeks to capture the effects produced in the field of study from the interferences of and with the researcher, capturing the connections and perceived noises, problematizing the institutional and personal discourse, and producing multiple meanings that go beyond the certainties of hegemonic science. The study scenario was the Risoleta Tolentino Neves Hospital (HRTN), a 420-bed general hospital, a reference for the northern portion of the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte/MG, with 100% SUS care. The research was defined in four phases, namely: Integrative review on continuity of care and integrality of care, identifying devices and strategies used for this construction from the hospital (phase 1); Analysis of the care profile of the patients seen HRTN, from the analysis of the data of the DRG - Related Diagnosis Groups (phase 2); Analysis of the production of care, of the interprofessional relations within the hospital and of the existing institutional devices for the qualification of care (phase 3); Analysis of access and barriers in the Health Care Network in the dehospitalization process from guide services (phase 4). The investigation that originated this thesis had its fieldwork developed in the period from September 2019 to June 2022, a period in which several interferences were carried out with the actors of the field under study. Data production was performed through different techniques: individual interviews with semi-structured scripts, focus groups, observation and recording in the researcher's field diary. The first moment of the study consisted of immersion in the institution to understand the reality and local context. Subsequently, thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted, conducted by the main researcher, with managers and coordinators of the hospital. Two focus groups were also carried out, in different shifts, with the hospital workers, about 22 professionals participated, among them physiotherapists, nurses, nursing technicians, doctors, social workers, psychologists, speech therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists, administrative assistant and radiologist. The entire data analysis process followed the thematic content analysis technique. To discuss the data, we used the theoretical references of integrality and production of care, and the studies found in the integrative review, carried out as the first phase of the investigation, in addition to works by reference authors and relevant to this study incorporated throughout the investigation. The literature review identified in-hospital devices, presupposing organizational and relational practices to achieve comprehensive care in Brazilian hospitals and in other countries. The empirical data of this investigation evidenced devices that contribute to the construction of new practices of management and care and restructuring of work, such as the Lean in Emergencies project and Fast Track, Kanban and Huddle tools; the Internal Regulatory Center (NIR); the performance of hospitalist physicians, co-managers and coordinators on duty; the performance of the home care team within the hospital discussing the cases for dehospitalization; and the devices for interdisciplinary management, such as multidisciplinary bed runs, case discussions, shared construction of therapeutic projects, preparation of family caregivers and responsible referrals to the network of Belo Horizonte and neighboring municipalities. In addition, it was possible to observe advances and challenges in relation to the continuity of care in the network, such as the articulation in the territory so that this patient is well assisted, from access to transportation to the guarantee of supplies and medications for the continuity of treatment after discharge. However, challenges are still observed, such as the continuity of care for chronic patients and the transfer of more complex cases that cannot guarantee continuity of care. The experiences pointed to the micropolitics of the work of the health teams that in their modes of care production advance towards the incorporation of the concept of integrality in the lines of care. Professionals understand that care is not restricted to their action and that both professionals and patients are responsible for care. It is recommended that hospital institutions designate a professional to coordinate the process of hospital discharge of the patient, promoting advocacy for the patient. In addition to encouraging the promotion of shared therapeutic plans with interdisciplinary teams, with new care technologies, and a more shared management. Finally, it was identified that the hospital as an observatory of the network requires, in a cooperative manner with the other services, the commitment to the needs of the users, facing the tensions that exist in the micropolitical field, so that the integrality of care is present in the logic of care.

Intrahospital devices and care practices: implications for care comprehensiveness and continuity / Dispositivos intrahospitalarios y prácticas asistenciales: implicaciones para la integralidad y continuidad de los cuidados / Dispositivos intra-hospitalares e práticas assistenciais: implicações para a integralidade e continuidade do cuidado

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the care production in a public hospital and the devices used for comprehensive care. Method: This was a health interference study, in which data collection was carried out from September 2019 to June 2022. Observations and field researcher diary records, individual interviews were conducted with coordinators and managers, and focus groups with workers, of a large hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The empirical material was submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: Devices that contribute to the construction of new management and care practices were identified. These included the Lean in Emergencies project (Fast Track, Kanban, and Huddles tools); the Internal Regulation Unit; the role of hospitalist physicians, co-managers, and shift coordinators; the work of the home care team within the hospital; and devices for interdisciplinary management, such as interdisciplinary bed runs, case discussions, and shared construction of therapeutic projects. Conclusion: The implemented devices contribute to the transformation of the health production model and work process in favor of integrating the hospital into the healthcare system.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la producción asistencial en un hospital público y los dispositivos utilizados para la atención integral. Método: Se trata de un estudio de interferencia em la salud que se recogieron datos entre septiembre de 2019 y junio de 2022. Se realizaron observaciones que fueron registradas en el diario de campo del investigador, así como entrevistas individuales con coordinadores y gestores, y grupos focales con trabajadores de un gran hospital de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. El material empírico se sometió a análisis temático de contenido. Resultados: se identificaron dispositivos que contribuyen a la construcción de nuevas prácticas de gestión y atención, como el proyecto Lean Emergency Care (herramientas Fast Track, Kanban y Huddles); el Centro de Regulación Interna; el trabajo de los médicos hospitalarios, coordinadores y coordinadores de guardia; el trabajo del equipo de atención domiciliaria dentro del hospital; y dispositivos de gestión interdisciplinaria, como las carreras interprofesionales de camas, la discusión de casos y la construcción compartida de proyectos terapéuticos. Conclusión: Se constató que los dispositivos implementados contribuyen a la transformación del modo de producción de salud y del proceso de trabajo a favor de la integración del hospital al sistema de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a produção do cuidado em um hospital público e os dispositivos utilizados para a atenção integral. Método: trata-se de uma pesquisa de interferência em saúde, em que a coleta de dados foi realizada no período de setembro de 2019 a junho de 2022. Foram realizadas observações e registros em diário de campo do pesquisador, entrevistas individuais com coordenadores e gerentes, e grupos focais com trabalhadores de um hospital de grande porte de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. O material empírico foi submetido à análise de conteúdo temático. Resultados: foram identificados dispositivos que contribuem para a construção de novas práticas de gestão e cuidado, como o projeto Lean nas Emergências (ferramentas do Fast Track, Kanban e Huddles); o Núcleo Interno de Regulação; a atuação dos médicos hospitalistas, comanejadores e coordenadores de plantão; a atuação da equipe de atenção domiciliar dentro do hospital; e os dispositivos para a gestão interdisciplinar, como as corridas de leitos interprofissionais, discussões de casos e a construção compartilhada dos projetos terapêuticos. Conclusão: verificou-se que os dispositivos implementados contribuem para a transformação do modo de produção em saúde e do processo de trabalho em favor da integração do hospital ao sistema de saúde.

Assessing Alignment of Patient and Clinician Perspectives on Community Health Resources for Chronic Disease Management.

Addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) is associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients with chronic diseases in safety-net settings. This qualitative study supplemented by descriptive quantitative analysis investigates the degree of alignment between patient and clinicians' perceptions of SDoH resources and referrals in clinics within the public healthcare delivery system in San Francisco. We conducted a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews, patient-led neighborhood tours, and in-person clinic visit observations with 10 patients and 7 primary care clinicians. Using a convergent parallel mixed methodology, we also completed a descriptive quantitative analysis comparing the categories of neighborhood health resources mentioned by patients or community leaders to the resources integrated into the electronic health record. We found that patients held a wealth of knowledge about neighborhood resources relevant to SDoH that were highly localized and specific to their communities. In addition, multiple stakeholders were involved in conducting SDoH screenings and referrals, including clinicians, system navigators such as case workers, and community-based organizations. Yet, the information flow between these stakeholders and patients lacked systematization, and the prioritization of social needs by patients and clinicians was misaligned, as represented by qualitative themes as well as quantitative differences in resource category distribution analysis (p < 0.001). Our results shed light upon opportunities for strengthening social care delivery in safety-net healthcare settings by improving patient engagement, clinic workflow, EHR engagement, and resource dissemination.

Key dimensions of collaboration quality in mental health care service networks.

Appropriate care delivery for patients with severe mental illness (SMI) requires a high level of collaboration quality between primary, mental health, and social care services. Few studies have addressed the interpersonal and inter-organizational components of collaboration within one unique study setting and it is unclear how these components contribute to overall collaboration quality. Using a comprehensive model that includes ten key indicators of collaboration in relation to both components, we evaluated how interpersonal and inter-organizational collaboration quality were associated in 19 networks that included 994 services across Belgium. Interpersonal collaboration was significantly higher than inter-organizational collaboration. Despite the internal consistency of the model, analysis showed that respondents perceived a conflict between client-centered care and leadership in the network. Our results reveal two approaches to collaborative service networks, one relying on interpersonal interactions and driven by client needs and another based on formalization and driven by governance procedures. The results reflect a lack of strategy on the part of network leaders for supporting client-centered care and hence, the persistence of the high level of fragmentation that networks were expected to address. Policy-makers should pay more attention to network formalization and governance mechanisms with a view to achieving effective client-centered outcomes.

Continuidade do cuidado em rede e os movimentos de redes vivas nas trajetórias do usuário-guia / Network care continuity and living network movements in user-guide paths

RESUMO Com a mudança do perfil epidemiológico e demográfico no nosso País, a capacidade das Redes de Atenção à Saúde de garantir o acesso e a continuidade de cuidados a usuários egressos de internações hospitalares com necessidades de cuidados na rede tem se tornado um grande desafio. Buscando descrever e analisar os encontros entre atores da produção de cuidado, que refletem em movimentos de redes vivas e potencializam a continuidade do cuidado e a integralidade, uma usuária egressa de internação hospitalar foi acompanhada pelo período de 6 meses tendo como referencial metodológico o usuário-guia. Por meio de entrevistas em profundidade, foi reconstituída a trajetória dessa usuária buscando a continuidade do cuidado pós-alta. As narrativas foram analisadas por meio de Análise Temática de Bardin, em que foram evidenciados momentos de redes vivas e, em outros, falta de rede, que impactaram em barreiras dificultadoras de acesso. Conclui-se que, na riqueza dos encontros, as redes vão se construindo, em momentos, com maior força e potência que em outros. Esses momentos podem impactar diretamente no desfecho dos casos, como o da usuária acompanhada. Necessário investir na formação dos trabalhadores para práticas integrais em saúde que considerem o usuário como protagonista do seu cuidado.

ABSTRACT With the change of the epidemiological and demographic profile in our Country, the capacity of Health Care Networks to guarantee access and continuity of care to users coming from hospital admissions with care needs in the network has become a major challenge. Aiming to describe and analyze the meetings between actors of care production, that reflect in movements of living networks and potentiate the continuity of care and integrality, a user coming from hospital admission was monitored for a period of 6 months having as methodological reference the user-guide. Through in-depth interviews, the trajectory of this user was reconstituted seeking continuity of post-discharge care. The narratives were analyzed through Bardin's Thematic Analysis, in which moments of living networks were evidenced and, in others, lack of networks, which impacted on barriers that made access difficult. It is concluded that, in the richness of the meetings, the networks are being built, in moments, with greater strength and power than in others. These moments can have a direct impact on the outcome of the cases, such as the patient's follow-up. It is necessary to invest in the training of workers for integral health practices that consider the user as the protagonist of their care.

Impacts of online and group perinatal education: a mixed methods study protocol for the optimization of perinatal health services.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal education is a core component of perinatal care and services provided by health institutions. Whereas group prenatal education is the most common educational model, some health institutions have opted to implement online prenatal education to address accessibility issues as well as the evolving needs of future parents. Various studies have shown that prenatal education can be effective in acquisition of knowledge on labour and delivery, reducing psychological distress and maximising father's involvement. However, these results may depend on educational material, organization, format and content. Furthermore, the effectiveness of online prenatal education compared to group prenatal education remains unclear in the literature. This project aims to evaluate the impacts of group prenatal education and online prenatal education on health determinants and users' health status, as well as on networks of perinatal educational services maintained with community-based partners. METHODS: This multipronged mixed methods study uses a collaborative research approach to integrate and mobilize knowledge throughout the process. It consists of: 1) a prospective cohort study with quantitative data collection and qualitative interviews with future and new parents; and 2) a multiple case study integrating documentary sources and interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of perinatal information service networks and collaborations with community partners. Perinatal health indicators and determinants will be compared between prenatal education groups (group prenatal education and online prenatal education) and standard care without these prenatal education services (control group). DISCUSSION: This study will provide knowledge about the impact of online prenatal education as a new technological service delivery model compared to traditional group prenatal education. Indicators related to the complementarity of these interventions and those available in community settings will refine our understanding of regional perinatal services networks. Results will assist decision-making regarding service organization and delivery models of prenatal education services. PROTOCOL VERSION: Version 1 (February 9 2018).

Managing cancer care through service delivery networks: The role of professional collaboration in two European cancer networks.

Background The study examines two meso-strategic cancer networks, exploring to what extent collaboration can strengthen or hamper network effectiveness. Unlike macro-strategic networks, meso-strategic networks have no hierarchical governance structures nor are they institutionalised within healthcare services' delivery systems. This study aims to analyse the models of professional cooperation and the tools developed for managing clinical practice within two meso-strategic, European cancer networks. Methods Multiple case study design based on the comparative analysis of two cancer networks: Iridium, in Antwerp, Belgium and the Institut Català d'Oncologia in Catalonia, Spain. The case studies applied mixed methods, with qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews ( n = 35) together with case-site observation and material collection. Results The analysis identified four levels of collaborative intensity within medical specialties as well as in multidisciplinary settings, which became both platforms for crosscutting clinical work between hubs' experts and local care teams and the levers for network-based tools development. The organisation of clinical practice relied on professional-based cooperative processes and tiers, lacking vertical integration mechanisms. Conclusions The intensity of professional linkages largely shaped the potential of meso-strategic cancer networks to influence clinical practice organisation. Conversely, the introduction of managerial techniques or network governance structures, without introducing vertical hierarchies, was found to be critical solutions.

Community Health Workers and Disasters: Lessons Learned from the 2015 Earthquake in Nepal.

Introduction The Nepal earthquake of 2015 was a major disaster that exacted an enormous toll on human lives and caused extensive damage to the infrastructure of the region. Similar to other developing countries, Nepal has a network of community health workers (CHWs; known as female community health volunteers [FCHVs]) that was in place prior to the earthquake and continues to function to improve maternal and child health. These FCHVs and other community members were responsible, by default, for providing the first wave of assistance after the earthquake. Hypothesis/Problem Community health workers such as FCHVs could be used to provide formal relief services in the event of an emergency, but there is a paucity of evidence-based literature on how to best utilize them in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response. Data are needed to further characterize the roles that this cadre has played in past disasters and what strategies can be implemented to better incorporate them into future emergency management. METHODS: In March 2016, key-informant interviews, FCHV interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Nepali health facilities using semi-structured guides. The audio-recorded data were obtained with the assistance of a translator (Nepali-English), transcribed verbatim in English, and coded by two independent researchers (manually and with NVivo 11 Pro software [QSR International; Melbourne, Australia]). RESULTS: Across seven different regions, 14 interviews with FCHVs, two FGDs with community women, and three key-informant interviews were conducted. Four major themes emerged around the topic of FCHVs and the 2015 earthquake: (1) community care and rapport between FCHVs and local residents; (2) emergency response of FCHVs in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake; (3) training requested to improve the FCHVs' ability to manage disasters; and (4) interaction with relief organizations and how to create collaborations that provide aid relief more effectively. CONCLUSIONS: The FCHVs in Nepal provided multiple services to their communities in the aftermath of the earthquake, largely without any specific training or instruction. Proper preparation, in addition to improved collaboration with aid agencies, could increase the capacity of FCHVs to respond in the event of a future disaster. The information gained from this study of the FCHV experience in the Nepal earthquake could be used to inform risk reduction and emergency management policies for CHWs in various settings worldwide. Fredricks K , Dinh H , Kusi M , Yogal C , Karmacharya BM , Burke TF , Nelson BD . Community health workers and disasters: lessons learned from the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):604-609.

Análisis de redes sociales: una herramienta efectiva para evaluar coaliciones comunitarias / Social network analysis: an effective tool for evaluating community coalitions

Objetivos Los objetivos de este artículo son presentar: a. Las aplicaciones del Análisis de Redes Sociales (ARS) en el estudio de coaliciones comunitarias y redes inter-organizativas; b. Los indicadores estructurales de la red completa relacionados con su funcionamiento, y; c. Los métodos para identificar subgrupos dentro de las redes. Método Para ilustrar los procedimientos utilizaremos la visualización de grafos y datos de una investigación propia. Resultados Proponemos orientaciones metodológicas para evaluar y fortalecer coaliciones comunitarias a través de ARS. Conclusiones El análisis estructural es una potente herramienta para evaluar y optimizar el funcionamiento de coaliciones que prestan servicios socio-sanitarios, al mismo tiempo es necesario conocer el contexto específico y emplear herramientas de investigación cualitativas para contrastar la información obtenida mediante ARS.(AU)

Objectives The aim of this paper is to report: a. The main applications of Social Network Analysis (SNA) in the study of community coalitions and inter-organizational networks; b. The structural indicators of the whole network related to coalition functions, and; c. The methods to identify subgroups within networks. Method We will use graph visualization and data from our own research to illustrate the procedures under study. Results A set of methodological guidelines to evaluate and improve community coalitions through SNA are proposed. Conclusions Structural analysis is a powerful instrument to evaluate and optimize the functioning of coalitions that provides social and health services, and at the same time, it is necessary to understand the specific context of interaction and use qualitative tools to contrast the results obtained through SNA.(AU)

Mental health care delivery system reform in Belgium: the challenge of achieving deinstitutionalisation whilst addressing fragmentation of care at the same time.

Most mental health care delivery systems in welfare states currently face two major issues: deinstitutionalisation and fragmentation of care. Belgium is in the process of reforming its mental health care delivery system with the aim of simultaneously strengthening community care and improving integration of care. The new policy model attempts to strike a balance between hospitals and community services, and is based on networks of services. We carried out a content analysis of the policy blueprint for the reform and performed an ex-ante evaluation of its plan of operation, based on the current knowledge of mental health service networks. When we examined the policy's multiple aims, intermediate goals, suggested tools, and their articulation, we found that it was unclear how the new policy could achieve its goals. Indeed, deinstitutionalisation and integration of care require different network structures, and different modes of governance. Furthermore, most of the mechanisms contained within the new policy were not sufficiently detailed. Consequently, three major threats to the effectiveness of the reform were identified. These were: issues concerning the relationship between network structure and purpose, the continued influence of hospitals despite the goal of deinstitutionalisation, and the heterogeneity in the actual implementation of the new policy.

Building research infrastructure in community health centers: a Community Health Applied Research Network (CHARN) report.

This article introduces the Community Health Applied Research Network (CHARN), a practice-based research network of community health centers (CHCs). Established by the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2010, CHARN is a network of 4 community research nodes, each with multiple affiliated CHCs and an academic center. The four nodes (18 individual CHCs and 4 academic partners in 9 states) are supported by a data coordinating center. Here we provide case studies detailing how CHARN is building research infrastructure and capacity in CHCs, with a particular focus on how community practice-academic partnerships were facilitated by the CHARN structure. The examples provided by the CHARN nodes include many of the building blocks of research capacity: communication capacity and "matchmaking" between providers and researchers; technology transfer; research methods tailored to community practice settings; and community institutional review board infrastructure to enable community oversight. We draw lessons learned from these case studies that we hope will serve as examples for other networks, with special relevance for community-based networks seeking to build research infrastructure in primary care settings.

Increasing access to care for Brazos Valley, Texas: a rural community of solution.

Compared with their urban counterparts, rural populations face substantial disparities in terms of health care and health outcomes, particularly with regard to access to health services. To address ongoing inequities, community perspectives are increasingly important in identifying health issues and developing local solutions that are effective and sustainable. This article has been developed by both academic and community representatives and presents a brief case study of the evolution of a regional community of solution (COS) servicing a 7-county region called the Brazos Valley, Texas. The regional COS gave rise to multiple, more localized COSs that implemented similar strategies designed to address access to care within rural communities. The regional COS, known as the Brazos Valley Health Partnership, was a result of a 2002 health status assessment that revealed that rural residents face poorer access to health services and their care is often fragmented. Their localized strategy, called a health resource center, was created as a "one-stop shop" where multiple health and social service providers could be housed to deliver services to rural residents. Initially piloted in Madison County, the resource center model was expanded into Burleson, Grimes, and Leon Counties because of community buy-in at each of these sites. The resource center concept allowed service providers, who previously were able to offer services only in more populous areas, to expand into the rural communities because of reduced overhead costs. The services provided at the health resource centers include transportation, information and referral, and case management along with others, depending on the location. To ensure successful ongoing operations and future planning of the resource centers, local oversight bodies known as health resource commissions were organized within each of the rural communities to represent local COSs. Through collaboration with local entities, these partnerships have been successful in continuing to expand services and initiating health improvements within their rural communities.

Pofessional Practice and Innovation: Geographical Information Systems: An Effective Planning and Decision-Making Platform for Community Health Coalitions in Australia.

The development of locally-based healthcare initiatives, such as community health coalitions that focus on capacity building programs and multi-faceted responses to long-term health problems, have become an increasingly important part of the public health landscape. As a result of their complexity and the level of investment, it has become necessary to develop innovative ways to help manage these new healthcare approaches. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have been suggested as one of the innovative approaches that will allow community health coalitions to better manage and plan their activities. The focus of this paper is to provide a commentary on the use of GIS as a tool for community coalitions and discuss some of the potential benefits and issues surrounding the development of these tools.