Organizational network analysis: a method to model information in public health work.

Public health agencies are composed of complex information processing networks. The dynamic interactions of these networks affect performance in complex ways that are not easily understood. We explored how organizational network analysis can support management in public health. Managers participated in interpreting our findings and developed strategies to address the problems uncovered. The method is a means for informaticians and practitioners to build collaborative knowledge and improve public health systems using empirical evidence.