[Social network analysis: an effective tool for evaluating community coalitions]

Objectives The aim of this paper is to report: a. The main applications of Social Network Analysis (SNA) in the study of community coalitions and inter-organizational networks; b. The structural indicators of the whole network related to coalition functions, and; c. The methods to identify subgroups within networks. Method We will use graph visualization and data from our own research to illustrate the procedures under study. Results A set of methodological guidelines to evaluate and improve community coalitions through SNA are proposed. Conclusions Structural analysis is a powerful instrument to evaluate and optimize the functioning of coalitions that provides social and health services, and at the same time, it is necessary to understand the specific context of interaction and use qualitative tools to contrast the results obtained through SNA.