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
What is Social Isolation? Definitions, Risk, Impact, and Solutions
The past year of COVID quarantines and isolation has reaffirmed the importance of social connectedness in our lives. However, it has also exacerbated the issue of social isolation, with studies suggesting record levels of isolation and loneliness in the United States and around the world.
Using Social Network Analysis to Build Collaborative Strategies
https://youtu.be/plXJcRT2ouM Network mapping and social network analysis is a powerful method for visualizing the quality and quantity of connections in a network of partners. It allows you to see who works with who, what resources are exchanged, how partners trust and value one another, and
Reconnecting and Refueling for the Future During our Company Retreat
The team at Visible Network Labs gathered this past week for their annual 3-day company retreat in Denver, Colorado. The full team met for the first time in nearly a year, with many staff meeting each other for the very first time face to face.
Using a Strength-based Approach for Social Support Screening: 5 Tips for Success
As many clinics and hospitals begin implementing screening programs for the social determinants of health, best practices are being identified and spread from site to site. Many providers have demonstrated the impact of taking a strength-based approach to social need screening and referrals. While SDOH
Meet our New Full Stack Engineer, Kāhea Hendrickson
This summer we are ramping up our Development capacity with the addition of two new Full Stack Engineers to our team. This week we’re introducing Kāhea Hendrickson, one of our new staffers. He will be supporting our development of the PARTNER CPRM and PARTNERme, a
Food Systems and Network Leadership Lessons From the Pandemic
The past year has created pressing new demands on social service providers, including food banks, nonprofits, and other food-related organizations. While the food systems sector was already a hub for collaborative innovation, COVID-19 further accelerated the importance of network leadership skills and strategy for those
Meet our New Full Stack Engineer, Tyler Funk
This summer we are ramping up our Development capacity with the addition of two new Full Stack Engineers to our team. This week we’re introducing Tyler Funk, one of our new staffers. He will be supporting our development of the PARTNER CPRM and PARTNERme, a
What Are the Social Determinants of Health?
Only 10-20% of our health outcomes are determined by what happens in a medical clinic. You read that right. Just 10-20%! The other 80-90% results from our health behaviors, where we live, and other factors like access to housing, food, and social support. We call
How Does Social Connectedness Influence Health?
Over the past four decades, a significant body of literature has demonstrated that there is a significant link between social connectedness – our relationships with others – and our health and well-being. While this feels and sounds intuitive, you may have wondered specifically how our
Meet the Social Support Research Fellows Helping Us Measure Social Connectedness
Strengthening a young person’s social connectedness and social support system can be vital as they encounter complexities on the road to becoming the person they want to be. Sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Social Support Research Fellowship is a partnership between Visible
Helping the Trenton Health Team Build a Better Community Network
VNL was recently highlighted by the Trenton Daily for our work with the Trenton Health Team. Read the article below. Trenton Health Team’s (THT) Community Advisory Board (CAB) includes more than 100 organizations from around the region and across sectors. The group convenes regularly to
Meet our 2021 Summer Technology Interns
This summer we are excited to introduce our four Technology Team Interns. They’ll be working with our developers and designers to provide QA testing and UI/UX feedback, support the development of our user guides, and several other projects. They will also have the opportunity to
Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils play an important role in improving health, education and other social outcomes for kids. They do this by connecting and coordinating work between stakeholders in the early childhood ecosystem. This includes nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and other community organizations.
