Using network analysis to describe the part RWJF's funding has played in building the field of public health systems and services research

This project will use an empirical scan of initiatives funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) within Public Health Services and Systems Research (PHSSR) to see how RWJF investments are connected to each other and to the RWJF's Public Health Team's overall objective of strengthening the public health system. To date, RWJF has invested $34 million in PHSSR. The study will employ computational methods, such as network analysis and citation analysis, to describe the relationships and interactions within the PHSSR community. This information will suggest avenues for coordinating Foundation efforts with other activities in the PHSSR field. Deliverables will include: (1) a series of Web conferences/meetings in which the investigator, RWJF staff and other stakeholders (e.g., AcademyHealth) will review the emerging findings; (2) a written report summarizing the findings; and (3) a manuscript(s) or other materials suitable for distribution and publication.