Abstract

MARQUES-SANCHEZ, Pilar et al. Social Network analysis from the nurse perspective: a theoretical-empirical approach. Index Enferm [online]. 2023, vol.32, n.1, e32140.  Epub Sep 18, 2023. ISSN 1699-5988.  https://dx.doi.org/10.58807/indexenferm20231058.

The field of health is one of the most relational environments that science knows, but the contacts between actors are rarely analyzed. The Theory of Networks conceptualizes the individual as part of a structure to which he nourishes, and from which he nourishes himself. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is the method that supports Network Theory. In the following work the objectives of (i) to present the Theory of Networks and their justification in the health context are presented, (ii) to describe the SNA, (iii) to showresearch in health with application of the SNA, (iv) present the evolution of SNA in Spanish Nursing. Among the main conclusions it is highlighted that (i) the SNA focuses on the structure and the social entity as the unit of analysis, (ii) the networks are the cause and effect of the health outcomes, (iii) there are SNA investigations applied to the care and led by nurses, and (iv) to consolidate the knowledge and use of the SNA paradigm, it is necessary to create cohesive networks of researchers and multidisciplinary professionals.

Keywords : Social network analysis; Network theory; Nursing; Research.