Analyzing Patient Referral Networks Among Hospitals in the Eastern Anatolia Region Using Social Network Analysis

Authors : Sezer Haksever, Erkan Oktay

Pages : 278-303

Doi:10.17753/sosekev.1772215

View : 149 | Download : 180

Publication Date : 2025-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The purpose of this study is to provide scientific support to professionals in determining the roles of health institutions in the Eastern Anatolia Region by examining the patient referral networks between these health facilities. Patient referrals are modeled as a directed, weighted network where edges represent the number of referrals from hospital i to hospital j; centrality and community detection have been computed accordingly.. Additionally, by analyzing patient diagnoses and referral reasons, areas needing improvement in the healthcare system have been highlighted. In our study, data obtained from the Provincial Health Directorates of the Eastern Anatolia Region were used after obtaining the necessary ethics committee approval. The Gephi 0.10.1 software package, a social network analysis tool, was utilized to present the findings. It has been emphasized that accurate healthcare investment decisions can be made and health policies can be developed accordingly through preliminary analyses conducted with the Gephi program. Erzurum City Hospital, Erzurum Atatürk University Research Hospital, and Kars Harakani State Hospital have been identified as the most effective, accessible, and rapid communication providers in the region. This study is believed to contribute to improving the patient care quality of hospitals and enabling the effective utilization of their resources.
Keywords : Sosyal ağ analizi, Hizmet kalitesi, Yönlü ağ, Sevk akışları, Sağlık politikası

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