scholarly journals Examining Patterns of Information Exchange and Social Support in a Web-Based Health Community: Exponential Random Graph Models (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Liu ◽  
Shan Jiang ◽  
Min Sun ◽  
Xiaotong Chi
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Exponential Random Graph Models ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Exponential Random Graph ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Network Exchange

BACKGROUND Although an increasing number of studies have attempted to understand how people interact with others in web-based health communities, studies focusing on understanding individuals’ patterns of information exchange and social support in web-based health communities are still limited. In this paper, we discuss how patients’ social interactions develop into social networks based on a network exchange framework and empirically validate the framework in web-based health care community contexts. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore various patterns of information exchange and social support in web-based health care communities and identify factors that affect such patterns. METHODS Using social network analysis and text mining techniques, we empirically validated a network exchange framework on a 10-year data set collected from a popular web-based health community. A reply network was extracted from the data set, and exponential random graph models were used to discover patterns of information exchange and social support from the network. RESULTS Results showed that reciprocated information exchange was common in web-based health communities. The homophily effect existed in general conversations but was weakened when exchanging knowledge. New members in web-based health communities tended to receive more support. Furthermore, polarized sentiment increases the chances of receiving replies, and optimistic users play an important role in providing social support to the entire community. CONCLUSIONS This study complements the literature on network exchange theories and contributes to a better understanding of social exchange patterns in the web-based health care context. Practically, this study can help web-based patients obtain information and social support more effectively.

scholarly journals Examining Patterns of Information Exchange and Social Support in a Web-Based Health Community: Exponential Random Graph Models

10.2196/18062 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. e18062
Author(s):  
Xuan Liu ◽  
Shan Jiang ◽  
Min Sun ◽  
Xiaotong Chi
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Exponential Random Graph Models ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Exponential Random Graph ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Network Exchange

Background Although an increasing number of studies have attempted to understand how people interact with others in web-based health communities, studies focusing on understanding individuals’ patterns of information exchange and social support in web-based health communities are still limited. In this paper, we discuss how patients’ social interactions develop into social networks based on a network exchange framework and empirically validate the framework in web-based health care community contexts. Objective This study aims to explore various patterns of information exchange and social support in web-based health care communities and identify factors that affect such patterns. Methods Using social network analysis and text mining techniques, we empirically validated a network exchange framework on a 10-year data set collected from a popular web-based health community. A reply network was extracted from the data set, and exponential random graph models were used to discover patterns of information exchange and social support from the network. Results Results showed that reciprocated information exchange was common in web-based health communities. The homophily effect existed in general conversations but was weakened when exchanging knowledge. New members in web-based health communities tended to receive more support. Furthermore, polarized sentiment increases the chances of receiving replies, and optimistic users play an important role in providing social support to the entire community. Conclusions This study complements the literature on network exchange theories and contributes to a better understanding of social exchange patterns in the web-based health care context. Practically, this study can help web-based patients obtain information and social support more effectively.

scholarly journals Analysis of Network Structure and Doctor Behaviors in E-Health Communities from a Social-Capital Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhigang Li ◽  
Xu Xu
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Service Levels ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Professional Titles ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Social Capital Perspective ◽  
Doctor Communication

In tandem with internet development and widespread social media use, e-health communities have begun to emerge in recent years. These communities allow doctors to access forums anywhere, anytime, seek or exchange medical information online, find literature, and so on. This is convenient and can solve some problems for doctors while also promoting doctor communication. This study collected and collated 102 doctors in the “Lilac Forum” and used social network tools to quantify the overall network density, centrality, core–periphery structure, and structural hole indicators of doctors’ information exchange from a social-capital perspective. The results showed that the frequency of interaction between doctors differed because of differences in the identities and participation of doctors in the e-health community. The density of the doctors’ information dissemination network (0.228) and network cohesion (0.610) were relatively high. Thus, the doctors were more closely connected, and information was easily spread. At the same time, doctors with higher professional titles had obvious location characteristics, familiarity and trust, and high levels of reciprocity. They could obtain redundant information in the network and were more likely to influence the behavior of other doctors. This study’s findings provide support for improving information exchange among doctors in e-health communities and improving the service levels of the platforms.

scholarly journals Bonding and Bridging Relationships in Collaborative Forums Responding to Weather Warnings

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 521-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Nohrstedt
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Exponential Random Graph Models ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Graph Models ◽  
Random Graph Models ◽  
Exponential Random Graph ◽  
Or Organization

Abstract Collaborative forums involving multiple stakeholders responding to natural hazards are prevalent, yet there is little conclusive evidence of how stakeholders exchange information across such forums and how different patterns of information exchange influence forum goals. This study analyzes information exchange among representatives of 51 organizations across 50 collaborative forums in response to weather warnings in Sweden, 2011–15. Using coded transcripts from forum meetings, the study estimates exponential random graph models to document the prevalence of network configurations of organizations across these forums. The results show that actors avoid engaging in information exchanges within closed subgroups and that no specific type or organization was particularly active in exchanging information. The study suggests that the forum structures are consistent with short-term operational goals as well as the long-term objective of these forums to sustain collaboration over time. The study discusses potential explanations for these patterns and implications for forum performance in relation to natural hazards management.

scholarly journals Party, ethnicity, or region? Determinants of informal political exchange in the parliament of Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Osei ◽  
Thomas Malang
Keyword(s):  
Exponential Random Graph Models ◽  
Graph Models ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Random Graph Models ◽  
Exponential Random Graph ◽  
Material Interests ◽  
Party Attachment ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Exchange Network ◽  
Exchange Patterns

This article analyzes the patterns of informal political exchange between Ghanaian parliamentarians. Whereas research on Western parliaments identifies the party dimension as the strongest predictor for explaining exchange patterns, we develop three possible theoretical explanations for non-Western legislatures. We try to explain informal political exchange by shared ideology (party), solidarity (ethnicity), or same material interests (region). We test our claims by a novel data set based on a survey with almost all members of the current Ghanaian legislature. We analyze the exchange network using exponential random graph models. Our results suggest that regional origin, as compared to party attachment and ethnicity, is the superior predictor for informal political exchange between parliamentarians.

scholarly journals Associations Between Engagement With an Online Health Community and Changes in Patient Activation and Health Care Utilization: Longitudinal Web-Based Survey

10.2196/13477 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. e13477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E Costello ◽  
Amrutha Anand ◽  
Matt Jameson Evans ◽  
William G Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Patient Activation ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Very High

Background Participation in online health communities (OHCs) is a popular trend in the United Kingdom. However, so far, no evidence exists to indicate an association between participation in OHCs and improved health outcomes. Objective This study aimed to (1) determine changes in patient activation over 3 months in new users of an OHC, (2) describe patterns of engagement with an OHC, (3) examine whether patients’ characteristics at baseline were associated with subsequent patterns of engagement, and (4) determine if patterns of engagement during the 3 months were associated with changes in patient activation, health care utilization, and health status. Methods Active new OHC users on HealthUnlocked (HU) were surveyed to measure demographics, levels of patient activation (describing a person’s confidence in managing their own health; scale 0-100 with 4 categories), health care utilization, and health status using a Web-based survey at baseline and 3 months. Patient activation at baseline and 3 months was compared (aim 1). Alongside, for a sample of HU users and survey responders, daily OHC website usage data were automatically captured. This was used to identify clusters of engagement with HU (aim 2). For survey responders, baseline characteristics, patient activation, health care utilization, and health status were compared at baseline and 3 months, overall, and between engagement clusters using t tests and chi-square tests (aims 3 and 4). Results In 329 people who completed both surveys, baseline activation was most frequently level 3, described as taking action but still lacking confidence. At follow-up, a change of 2.6 points was seen, with the greatest change seen in those at lowest baseline activation levels. In addition, 4 clusters of engagement were identified: low, medium, high, and very high, who were active on HU for a mean of 4, 12, 29, and 59 days, respectively. Survey responders were more commonly high or very high engagers. Baseline activation was highest in low and very high engagers. Overall activation increased over time in all engagement groups. Very high engagers had the greatest improvement in activation (5 points), although the average change was not above what is considered clinically meaningful for any group. Fewer accident and emergency visits were seen at follow-up in those with higher engagement, although this trend was not seen for other health care utilization measures. There was no change in health status at 3 months. Conclusions This observational study provides some insight into how patterns of engagement with OHCs are associated with changes in patient activation, health care utilization, and health status. Over 3 months, overall, the change in activation was not clinically significant, and there were some indications that OHCs may be of benefit to particular groups. However, the study limitations prevent firm conclusions about causal relationships.

scholarly journals Consequences of Gift Giving in Online Health Communities on Physician Service Quality: Empirical Text Mining Study

10.2196/18569 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e18569
Author(s):  
Li Peng ◽  
Yanan Wang ◽  
Jing Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Physician Service ◽  
Gift Giving ◽  
Online Health Communities ◽  
Online Health Community ◽  
Interaction Processes ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Physician Patient

Background Gift giving, which has been a heavily debated topic in health care for many years, is considered as a way of expressing gratitude and to be beneficial for the physician-patient relationship within a reasonable range. However, not much work has been done to examine the influence of gift giving on physicians’ service quality, especially in the online health care environment. Objective This study addressed the consequences of gift giving by mining and analyzing the dynamic physician-patient interaction processes in an online health community. Specifically, gift types (affective or instrumental) based on the motivations and physician-patient tie strength were carefully considered to account for differences in physicians’ service quality. Methods The dynamic interaction processes (involving 3154 gifts) between 267 physicians and 14,187 patients from a well-known online health community in China (haodf.com) were analyzed to obtain empirical results. Results Our results reveal that patient gift giving inspires physicians to improve their service quality as measured by physicians’ more detailed responses and improved bedside manner, and the degree of influence varied according to the strength of the physician-patient tie. Moreover, affective gifts and instrumental gifts had different effects in improving physicians’ service quality online. Conclusions This study is among the first to explore gift giving in online health communities providing both important theoretical and practical contributions. All of our results suggest that gift giving online is of great significance to promoting effective physician-patient communication and is conducive to the relief of physician-patient conflicts.

Evolving Crisis and Changing Networks: NGOs’ Stakeholder Engagement on the Global Refugee Crisis

2021 ◽  
pp. 089976402110574
Author(s):  
Jingyi Sun ◽  
Aimei Yang ◽  
Adam J. Saffer
Keyword(s):  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Exponential Random Graph Models ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Graph Models ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Random Graph Models ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Exponential Random Graph ◽  
Issue Networks

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) increasingly utilize social media for strategic stakeholder engagement. This study proposes a network-oriented theoretical framework to understand how NGOs’ engagement with complex networks of stakeholders on the global refugee issue varies as the issue moves from low to high public attention stages. We draw from research on multistakeholder issue networks and issue niche theory and analyze a large-scale Twitter data set containing tweets from hundreds of organizations from more than 30 countries. This cross-national, longitudinal study tracks issue evolution and NGOs’ tie formation patterns among themselves and with complex stakeholders (i.e., government and media) as public attention to the refugee issue increases. The results of our exponential random graph models (ERGMs) show how cross-sector stakeholders interact dynamically and how different issue identities position NGOs uniquely in issue niches as the issue evolves. We also find that organizations’ country-level homophily influences tie formation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Practise Patterns and Perceptions of Chest Health Care Providers on Electronic Cigarette Use: An In-Depth Discussion and Report of Survey Results

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen R. Baldassarri ◽  
Geoffrey L. Chupp ◽  
Frank T. Leone ◽  
Graham W. Warren ◽  
Benjamin A. Toll
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Provider Perceptions ◽  
Chest Physician ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Survey Results

Introduction: The emergence of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has become a growing phenomenon that has sharply split opinion among the public health community, physicians, and lawmakers.Aims: We sought to determine chest physician perceptions regarding ECs.Methods: We conducted a web-based survey of 18,000 American College of Chest Physician (CHEST) members to determine health care provider experiences with EC users and to characterise provider perceptions regarding ECs.Results/Findings: There were 994 respondents. Eighty-eight per cent reported that patients had asked their opinion of ECs, and 31% reported EC use among at least 10% of their patients. More disagreed than agreed (41% vs. 21%) that patients could improve their health by switching from tobacco smoking to daily EC use. Respondents were split on whether ECs promote tobacco cessation (32% agree vs. 33% disagree).Conclusions: Current perceptions of ECs are variable among providers. More than 1/3 of respondents felt that EC's could be used for smoking cessation for smokers who failed prior quit attempts with approved therapies. However, many respondents were not convinced that ECs will reduce harms from tobacco use. There is an urgent need to generate additional high quality scientific data regarding ECs to inform chest physicians, health professionals, and the general public.

scholarly journals Consequences of Gift Giving in Online Health Communities on Physician Service Quality: Empirical Text Mining Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Peng ◽  
Yanan Wang ◽  
Jing Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Physician Service ◽  
Gift Giving ◽  
Online Health Communities ◽  
Online Health Community ◽  
Interaction Processes ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Physician Patient

BACKGROUND Gift giving, which has been a heavily debated topic in health care for many years, is considered as a way of expressing gratitude and to be beneficial for the physician-patient relationship within a reasonable range. However, not much work has been done to examine the influence of gift giving on physicians’ service quality, especially in the online health care environment. OBJECTIVE This study addressed the consequences of gift giving by mining and analyzing the dynamic physician-patient interaction processes in an online health community. Specifically, gift types (affective or instrumental) based on the motivations and physician-patient tie strength were carefully considered to account for differences in physicians’ service quality. METHODS The dynamic interaction processes (involving 3154 gifts) between 267 physicians and 14,187 patients from a well-known online health community in China (haodf.com) were analyzed to obtain empirical results. RESULTS Our results reveal that patient gift giving inspires physicians to improve their service quality as measured by physicians’ more detailed responses and improved bedside manner, and the degree of influence varied according to the strength of the physician-patient tie. Moreover, affective gifts and instrumental gifts had different effects in improving physicians’ service quality online. CONCLUSIONS This study is among the first to explore gift giving in online health communities providing both important theoretical and practical contributions. All of our results suggest that gift giving online is of great significance to promoting effective physician-patient communication and is conducive to the relief of physician-patient conflicts.

scholarly journals Associations Between Engagement With an Online Health Community and Changes in Patient Activation and Health Care Utilization: Longitudinal Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E Costello ◽  
Amrutha Anand ◽  
Matt Jameson Evans ◽  
William G Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Patient Activation ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Very High

BACKGROUND Participation in online health communities (OHCs) is a popular trend in the United Kingdom. However, so far, no evidence exists to indicate an association between participation in OHCs and improved health outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) determine changes in patient activation over 3 months in new users of an OHC, (2) describe patterns of engagement with an OHC, (3) examine whether patients’ characteristics at baseline were associated with subsequent patterns of engagement, and (4) determine if patterns of engagement during the 3 months were associated with changes in patient activation, health care utilization, and health status. METHODS Active new OHC users on HealthUnlocked (HU) were surveyed to measure demographics, levels of patient activation (describing a person’s confidence in managing their own health; scale 0-100 with 4 categories), health care utilization, and health status using a Web-based survey at baseline and 3 months. Patient activation at baseline and 3 months was compared (aim 1). Alongside, for a sample of HU users and survey responders, daily OHC website usage data were automatically captured. This was used to identify clusters of engagement with HU (aim 2). For survey responders, baseline characteristics, patient activation, health care utilization, and health status were compared at baseline and 3 months, overall, and between engagement clusters using t tests and chi-square tests (aims 3 and 4). RESULTS In 329 people who completed both surveys, baseline activation was most frequently level 3, described as taking action but still lacking confidence. At follow-up, a change of 2.6 points was seen, with the greatest change seen in those at lowest baseline activation levels. In addition, 4 clusters of engagement were identified: low, medium, high, and very high, who were active on HU for a mean of 4, 12, 29, and 59 days, respectively. Survey responders were more commonly high or very high engagers. Baseline activation was highest in low and very high engagers. Overall activation increased over time in all engagement groups. Very high engagers had the greatest improvement in activation (5 points), although the average change was not above what is considered clinically meaningful for any group. Fewer accident and emergency visits were seen at follow-up in those with higher engagement, although this trend was not seen for other health care utilization measures. There was no change in health status at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS This observational study provides some insight into how patterns of engagement with OHCs are associated with changes in patient activation, health care utilization, and health status. Over 3 months, overall, the change in activation was not clinically significant, and there were some indications that OHCs may be of benefit to particular groups. However, the study limitations prevent firm conclusions about causal relationships.

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