Improving Veterans Referrals by Optimizing Network Design in Response to COVID-19
Abstract
Overview. Interorganizational partnerships often emerge as a strategy for responding to complex social problems in a community, such as improving educational outcomes or responding to cooccurring human service needs. There are two strategies for organizing such partnerships. At one end of the spectrum are highly organized networks operated by network administrative organizations. Network administrative organizations are the central hub that governs the rest of the network. At the other end of the spectrum are self-organized networks operating with participant-led, shared governance. Previous research found that highly centralized referral networks perform more efficiently and effectively (Chen, 2008; Chen & Graddy, 2010; Provan & Milward, 1995; Provan & Kenis, 2008; Raab et al., 2015). These networks function well because they minimize coordination costs. However, to date, no research has examined the implications of these highly centralized structures on networks ability to address rapidly evolving needs, like those arising as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This project has two goals. First, the study will examine how referral networks adapt to a substantial increase in the number of cases as a result of the secondary impacts of COVID-19 (i.e., economic downturn, disruption of service delivery mechanisms). Second, this research will utilize high-level analytics to understand how different network structures perform in the face of a surge of cases. We propose a study of 17 AmericaServes networks. AmericaServes is the United States first coordinated system of public, private, and nonprofit organizations working together in communities to serve veterans, transitioning service members, and their families. AmericaServes networks improve access to a full range of care and supportive services, including but not limited to, housing and shelter, employment, benefits navigation, income support, individual and family support, legal support, wellness, health, and food assistance. We will analyze data collected in their shared referral management and analytics platform. We plan to supplement this analysis with interviews of key informants from each of the AmericaServes networks. Thus, this study will use mixed methods, combining system analytics with interpretation from key informants. Intellectual merit. The proposed research will contribute to basic science by examining the effects of network design on whole-network resilience and adaptation. It will demonstrate the implications of hub-and-spoke network design versus hybrid design for referral accuracy, efficiency, and use of slack resources. Moreover, it will examine how network adaptations influence these outcomes in response to environmental disruption. Broader impacts and pathways to military application. The proposed research supports the goals of the Social & Cognitive networks program by exploring how organizations work together across sectors and coordinate their actions. Moreover, this research will guide the design of resilient networks to address human needs in the face of crisis. In doing so, this research will provide necessary guidance to equip the United States to better meet the needs of its citizens in the face of disasters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010202
Entities
People
- Michelle Shumate
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Northwestern University
- United States Army