Work

Interprofessional collaboration on interventions for problematic drinking in older adults: a social network analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Interventions targeting problematic drinking among older adults (55+) remain fragmented in implementation. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration across social, care, and public sectors may enhance delivery, yet its structure is poorly understood. This study applied Social Network Analysis in a Dutch municipality using 2023 questionnaire data from 77 professionals aggregated into 69 organizations. Whole-network and intervention-specific networks were analyzed at network, group, and individual levels. Although most organizations were connected, network density was below 10%, indicating substantial underutilized collaboration potential. Cliques, core groups, and key broker organizations were identified. Future research should examine how interprofessional collaboration directly influences intervention implementation and effectiveness.

Source: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions

DOI: 10.1080/1533256x.2026.2714384

Authors: Ruud T. J. Roodbeen, Liesbeth Mercken, Sarah E. Stutterheim, Andrea D. Rozema, Hans Dupont, Rik Crutzen