Healthcare social network research and the ECHO model™: Exploring a community of practice to support cultural brokers and transfer cultural knowledge

Authors

Phil Nixon, Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service
Chiara Broccatelli, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193, Spain; Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, 4068, Australia
Perrin Moss, Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
Sarah Baggio, Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
Angela Young, Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
Dana Newcomb, Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia; General Practice Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Project ECHO

METHODS: Social network theories and methods informed the collection of network data and analysis of advice-seeking relationships among ECHO network members and their nominees. Registered members from two ECHO networks were invited to complete the Qualtrics survey. Networks analysed comprised 398 professionals from mainstream health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation, education, disability and child safety service settings.

RESULTS: Brokers were well represented, both those who hold knowledge brokerage positions as well as cultural brokers who incorporate clinical and cultural knowledge enabling holistic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (38 individuals, 17% of network). Professionals who occupy brokerage positions outside the ECHO network tend to be more connected with co-members within the network.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first application of contemporary social network theories and methods to investigate an ECHO network. The findings highlight the connectivity afforded by brokers, enabling the coordination and collaboration necessary for effective care integration. Inclusion of cultural brokers in an ECHO network provides sustained peer group support while also cultivating relationships that facilitate the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge.

Recommended Citation

Nixon P, Broccatelli C, Moss P, Baggio S, Young A, Newcomb D. Healthcare social network research and the ECHO model™: Exploring a community of practice to support cultural brokers and transfer cultural knowledge. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024 May 1;24(1):558. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-11024-w. PMID: 38693520; PMCID: PMC11062014.