How PARTNER revolutionizes COVID-19 contact tracing software
Contact tracing is a critical part of maintaining public health as we reduce widespread self-isolation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTNER is a COVID-19 contact tracing software that significantly improves our ability to collect, analyze and respond to contact tracing data. PARTNER uses network science to identify unseen hotspots, anticipate risk of spread, and inform public health decision-making in real time.
Why is PARTNER such powerful COVID-19 contact tracing software?
- PARTNER was made for this.
The platform is specifically designed to track extremely complex relationships between people and places in real time. It uses network science and sophisticated relational analysis to collect, map and analyze the kind of relational data we need for effective contact tracing.
- PARTNER is a well-established data system.
Originally developed over 10 years ago, PARTNER is a highly-adopted, validated platform used by network practitioners and decision-makers around the world. The platform has been used in diverse disaster recovery efforts including pandemic surveillance, recovery networks, and disaster mitigation.
- PARTNER uses web-based data entry.
Contact tracing data can be entered through a simple web link making it easy to collect consistent data from call-centers, in-person interviews, healthcare settings, or from home.
- PARTNER works with other data systems.
In addition to having its own web-based screener and data collection tools, the platform can seamlessly integrate data from other systems like patient health records.
- PARTNER can be used at scale.
The platform can handle millions of data points to simultaneously track complex contact networks at the local, state, and national levels.
How does COVID-19 contact tracing software work?
- Step 1
Infected patients or their interviewers fill out an online screener survey about the people and places they have had contact with over the past 14 days.
- Step 2
New contact network data instantly populates a centralized dashboard where contact networks can be mapped and analyzed using sophisticated relational analysis tools.
- Step 3
Real-time data and analysis can be efficiently translated into custom reports to inform decision making for community leaders, health professionals, and public health officials.
Who is Visible Network Labs?
At VNL we are experts in understanding complex relationships. Led by Dr. Danielle Varda, our team has spent the last 10 years using network science and technology to help people navigate the complex networks of relationships that affect their lives and work. We are deeply committed to doing everything we can to be a meaningful part of the solution as we navigate the diverse challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read some of our team’s recent publications below, or learn more about our team here.
Publications and reports from the VNL team
50+ Social Network Analysis (SNA) Survey Questions, Prompts, & Scales
Social Network Analysis (SNA) surveys are often the first and most important step in understanding how relationships drive collaboration, resource sharing, and system performance. But crafting the right questions—ones that respondents can actually answer clearly—takes time, expertise, and testing. This guide is built for public
Boosting Response Rates for SNA Surveys: Scripts, Cadence, Incentives
When you’re mapping relationships—not just opinions—every missing response can move the map. In social network analysis (SNA), nonresponse doesn’t just shrink your sample; it can skew centrality, density, and the story your stakeholders see. That’s why the goal is to maximize boundary coverage using a
Infographic: Managing Ecosystem Members with PARTNER CPRM
Community partnerships are complex, and keeping track of people, organizations, and relationships often means juggling spreadsheets, notes, and emails. PARTNER CPRM gives you one connected hub to organize member data, understand relationships, and turn insights into action. The infographic below shows how you can move
Field Catalysts: The Missing Link in Building Ecosystems for Transformative Change
For more than a decade, “collaboration” has been the social impact watchword. Coalitions, alliances, and collective impact initiatives have flourished. Yet most ecosystem builders know the hard truth: good intentions alone don’t sustain change. Without coordination, connective tissue, and accountability, partnerships stall. Enter the field
Introducing the Member Analyzer with Advanced Data Filters
🔍 Quick Takeaway: The new Member Analyzer in PARTNER CPRM makes it easy to filter, compare, and export member data and survey data all in one place. It helps you save time, streamline reporting, and uncover insights by combining member attributes and non-relational survey responses.
Network Coordination 101: Making Your Network Work
Networks are living systems. They thrive when they’re intentionally nurtured, but without coordination, even the most promising ones can drift into chaos. In today’s interconnected, cross-sector work environment, network coordination isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a critical capability for driving measurable, lasting impact. Whether
Introducing Our New Free Plan: Your Community Partner CRM Starts Here
At Visible Network Labs, we believe that every organization working to build a better, more connected community should have access to the tools they need to manage and grow their networks. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new Free Plan for
New in PARTNER CPRM: Expert-Provided Survey Templates
⏰ Quick Takeaway: Instantly add a ready-to-use, research-backed survey to your Question Library with new VNL Expert-Provided Survey Templates—starting with our 18-question Default Community Partner Survey—so you can launch faster, capture validated trust/value metrics, and link results directly to Insights, all live in PARTNER as
How Six Cities Tackled Loneliness Through Network Science: A PARTNER CPRM Story
Loneliness has been called the new public health epidemic. Across the globe, communities are seeing the impacts of social isolation on both mental and physical health—higher rates of depression, weakened immune systems, even increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Solving this challenge
How to Craft Powerful Research Questions for Organizational Network Analysis (ONA)
Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) is a powerful methodology for studying relationships and interactions within and between organizations. The success of any ONA project hinges on well-crafted research questions that focus the analysis and ensure meaningful insights. This guide outlines how to develop research questions that
Customer Story: How NAPCRG Mapped 50 Years of Connection Using PARTNER CPRM
How a Leading Research Organization Used Network Science to Celebrate—and Strengthen—Its Legacy of Collaboration In 1972, Dr. Maurice Wood and 50 pioneering primary care researchers launched what would become the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG). Half a century later, NAPCRG is not just
Infographic: The Five Types of Network Brokers
In every community or organizational network, there are key individuals who help keep the system connected and effective. These people are known as network brokers—individuals who sit at strategic points in a network and play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration, resource-sharing, and information flow.
Connect with our Team!
Contact the VNL team to demo PARTNER™ or discuss a research or evaluation project. We can help you learn more about our services, help brainstorm project designs, and provide a custom scope based on your budget and needs. We look forward to connecting!
Email our team: hello@visiblenetworklabs.com
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