AN EMPIRICAL-ASSESSMENT OF RURAL-COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE MENTAL-DISORDERS

The community support network has been well-established as a requireme nt for community treatment of individuals with severe mental disorders . This network generally consists of a multidisciplinary set of organi zations that interrelate in some manner with individuals in the commun ity. The question of coordination within this network has been much di scussed; however little published research has empirically examined th e types and extent of coordination among network organizations. In par ticular, little attention has been given to community support networks in rural communities. In each of seven rural counties, information wa s obtained on interactions among organizations in the community suppor t network. These networks were analyzed to yield information on networ k density and centralization. Using measures of centrality, the most c entral organizations in each network were identified. Exchanges of inf ormation were the most common type of interaction among organizations in each network. Client referrals occurred less frequently, and sharin g of resources was an even rarer phenomenon. Network analysis of commu nity support networks provides an objective perspective on the structu re of community support networks. An understanding of exchange among o rganizations within these networks is of value to administrators, clin icians, and planners interested in achieving greater effectiveness, as well as to patients, their families, and advocacy groups concerned wi th access and quality of care.