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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Care | Protocol

The use of social network analysis in social support and care: a systematic scoping review protocol

Authors: Rosario Fernández-Peña, María-Antonia Ovalle-Perandones, Pilar Marqués-Sánchez, Carmen Ortego-Maté, Nestor Serrano-Fuentes

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

In recent decades, the literature on Social Network Analysis and health has experienced a significant increase. Disease transmission, health behavior, organizational networks, social capital, and social support are among the different health areas where Social Network Analysis has been applied. The current epidemiological trend is characterized by a progressive increase in the population’s ageing and the incidence of long-term conditions. Thus, it seems relevant to highlight the importance of social support and care systems to guarantee the coverage of health and social needs within the context of acute illness, chronic disease, and disability for patients and their carers. Thus, the main aim is to identify, categorize, summarize, synthesize, and map existing knowledge, literature, and evidence about the use of Social Network Analysis to study social support and care in the context of illness and disability.

Methods

This scoping review will be conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework with adaptations from Levac et al. and Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodological guidance for conducting scoping reviews. We will search the following databases (from January 2000 onwards): PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO, and DARE. Complementary searches will be conducted in selected relevant journals. Only articles related to social support or care in patients or caregivers in the context of acute illnesses, disabilities or long-term conditions will be considered eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers will screen all the citations, full-text articles, and abstract the data independently. A narrative synthesis will be provided with information presented in the main text and tables.

Discussion

The knowledge about the scientific evidence available in the literature, the methodological characteristics of the studies identified based on Social Network Analysis, and its main contributions will highlight the importance of health-related research's social and relational dimensions. These results will shed light on the importance of the structure and composition of social networks to provide social support and care and their impact on other health outcomes. It is anticipated that results may guide future research on network-based interventions that might be considered drivers to provide further knowledge in social support and care from a relational approach at the individual and community levels.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/dqkb5.

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Title: The use of social network analysis in social support and care: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Rosario Fernández-Peña
María-Antonia Ovalle-Perandones
Pilar Marqués-Sánchez
Carmen Ortego-Maté
Nestor Serrano-Fuentes
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01876-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The use of social network analysis in social support and care: a systematic scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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