A network analysis of dissemination and implementation research expertise across a university: Central actors and expertise clusters

A network analysis of dissemination and implementation research expertise across a university: Central actors and expertise clusters

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Abstract Background: Although dissemination and implementation (D&I) science is a growing field, many health researchers with relevant D&I expertise do not self-identify as D&I researchers.The goal of this work was to analyze the distribution, clustering, and recognition of D&I expertise in an academic institution.Methods: A snowball survey was administered to investigators at University of Rochester with experience and/or interest in D&I research.The respondents were asked to identify their level of D&I expertise and to nominate others who were experienced and/or active in D&I research.

We used social network analysis to examine nomination networks.Results: Sixty-eight participants provided information about their D&I click here expertise.Thirty-eight percent of the survey respondents self-identified as D&I researchers, 24% as conducting D&I under different labels, and 38% were familiar with D&I concepts.D&I researchers were, here on average, the most central actors in the network (nominated most by other survey participants) and had the highest within-group density, indicating wide recognition by colleagues and among themselves.

Researchers who applied D&I under different labels had the highest within-group reciprocity (25%), and the highest between-group reciprocity (29%) with researchers familiar with D&I.Participants significantly tended to nominate peers within their departments and within their expertise categories.Conclusions: Identifying and engaging unrecognized clusters of expertise related to D&I research may provide opportunities for mutual learning and dialog and will be critical to bridging across departmental and topic area silos and building capacity for D&I in academic settings.