Dynamics of complex coordination during disease outbreak

Abstract

When multiple agencies respond to a disease outbreak (i.e., H1N1 and SARS), the coordination of actions is complex and evolves over time. We know little about this because there has been no systematic empirical study of the dynamics of coordination during a disease outbreak. In this paper, we introduce an approach to the analysis of multi-agency intervention during a disease outbreak using methods previously applied to the study of social networks. The discussion is supported by a qualitative study of the implementation of the results of the analysis. We reveal that profound understanding of social network behaviour and emerging coordination concepts are corner stones for successful outbreak intervention. We look qualitatively at how Hunter New England Area Health Services applied these concepts to lead a successful coordination plan during an H1N109 endemic. © 2011 WIT Press.