Table 1 Criteria in network typology and network composition and mechanisms [15]
Criteria of network type | Manifestation in network composition | Manifestation in network mechanisms | |
|---|---|---|---|
Generative network | 1A Many actors, diverse participants | Family, organisations, more friends, neighbours and groups mentioned | Family, organisations, more friends, neighbours and groups mentioned |
1B Active weak-tie connections | Older adult is part of groups and has contact with (loose) acquaintances | Groups and acquaintances present, Contact in networked groups, references to values in these groups (contagion) | |
1C Participants make healthy changes sustainable | Not applicable | Role network participants in change, group exercises (contagion) | |
1D Participants are able to reciprocate | Not applicable | Reciprocity, participation older adult in groups | |
Proxy network | 2A Network managed by others on behalf of the older adult, | Mostly family names, formal care | References to a proxy, Negotiation often family-centred or focused on health professionals, Limited contagion from formal care |
2B Close bond connections | Classical strong-tie relationships: spouse, child, partner, sibling | Mostly daily, intimate contact, | |
2C Changes are dependent on a close super-helper | Not applicable | Negotiation: References to coordination of single super-helper, change in care network via super-helper | |
2D Trust that care was being actively managed and discussed with little need for the older adult to be in control | Not applicable | Older adult describes trust in and often dependency on super-helper. Delegate control to their network | |
Avoidant network | 3A Older adult avoids help and support | Small number of participants | References informal and formal care on avoidance by older adult, No navigation by older adult, mentions of navigation without older adult |
3B Denial and lack of discussion in the network | Not applicable | No mention of negotiation. Control older adult, no contagion | |
3C Need for hypercontrol (disease) | Not applicable | References to hypercontrol in negotiation and navigation | |
Struggling network | 4A Hidden nature of the chronic conditions | Not applicable | Extreme different views on situation, network does not see the condition, limited/poorly understood examples of health behaviours |
4B Prioritising other problems | Not applicable | References to worries and consequences, financial worries/other Health conditions/ complicated family life, Influences of worries on care network | |
4C Some cases: confused by unhelpful advice | Not applicable | Mention unhelpful advice |