Healthcare
8 min read

The Hidden Network Shaping Your Hospital’s Future

Published on
July 30, 2023

Transforming Healthcare with Organizational Network Analysis (ONA): A New Frontier for Patient Outcomes

Why Change in Healthcare Demands a New Approach

Healthcare and Life Sciences are experiencing seismic shifts. From digital transformation to evolving patient expectations and regulatory changes, organizations in this sector must adapt quickly to deliver better outcomes. But transformation in healthcare isn't just about adopting new technology. It’s about people, interactions, and networks.

To succeed, healthcare organizations must harness both formal systems and informal networks. Unfortunately, traditional change management often overlooks these human dynamics. That’s where Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) becomes a game-changer.

What is ONA and Why It Matters in Healthcare

Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) is a method that maps how people communicate, collaborate, and share knowledge. It identifies influencers, information bottlenecks, and informal leaders who drive actual decision-making.

In healthcare, where patient care depends on collaboration across departments and disciplines, understanding these networks is crucial. ONA helps leaders:

  • Pinpoint key change agents
  • Break down silos
  • Improve collaboration
  • Identify and address resistance early

Change Management in Healthcare: A Human-Centric Strategy

Change is never easy—especially in healthcare, where the stakes are high. But managing change well can lead to better patient outcomes, higher employee engagement, and improved efficiency.

Effective change management combines:

  • Clear communication
  • Inclusive leadership
  • Empathy for staff under pressure
  • Tools like ONA that reveal unseen dynamics

One of the most overlooked drivers of transformation? Employee engagement. Healthcare professionals who feel heard and valued are more likely to adopt new technologies and processes—and go the extra mile for patients.

Real-World Application: ReThink Health Case Study

The ReThink Health Initiative by the Rippel Foundation used ONA to analyze five community networks striving to improve health outcomes. By visualizing interactions, resources, and influence patterns, they:

  • Improved goal alignment
  • Built stronger partnerships
  • Enhanced collaboration

This network-based approach turned data into action—fueling systemic change across health ecosystems.

ONA in Action: Benefits for Healthcare Organizations

Here are four ways ONA drives transformation:

1. Identify Informal Leaders

These are your most influential voices—even if they don’t hold formal titles. Engage them early to champion change.

2. Enhance Communication

Understand how messages actually flow (or stall) to optimize outreach and feedback loops.

3. Improve Collaboration

ONA reveals silos and gaps, enabling smarter team-building and cross-functional projects.

4. Predict and Manage Resistance

Anticipate friction points before they derail your initiatives.

The Future of Healthcare Is Network-Driven

The healthcare leaders of tomorrow won't just rely on hierarchy or technology. They'll leverage human networks to:

  • Enhance patient journeys
  • Empower caregivers
  • Streamline decision-making

ONA provides a roadmap to get there. By understanding who connects, influences, and enables change, organizations can unlock powerful, patient-centered transformation.

How Bee’z Consulting Can Help

At Bee’z Consulting, we specialize in change management for healthcare and life sciences. With deep expertise in Organizational Network Analysis, we help you:

  • Design agile, human-centric transformation strategies
  • Activate your informal networks
  • Deliver superior patient outcomes

Take the First Step

Ready to leverage ONA to transform your healthcare organization?

👉 Download our free guide: "10 Steps to an Agile Healthcare Organization"

📞 Book a complimentary call to explore how ONA can support your next change initiative: Schedule now

Together, we can reshape healthcare from the inside out—one connection at a time.

Bee’z Consulting — Empowering healthcare organizations through network-driven transformation.

Silvina Layani

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