Could playing games improve immunization rates?

I have been following Michael Simmons’ interesting writing on networks and relationships. His most recent article in Forbes presents research from Brian Uzzi and others about how to build stronger ties in collaboration networks. This is an area of interest for myself and colleagues at PATH and IHME working on an evaluation of Gavi support in four countries. As part of this, we are studying the structure of immunization policy partnerships – networks of policy-makers, partners, and other stakeholders involved in planning and managing national immunization programmes -- in order to understand whether some are more effective than others. Effective at doing what? Effective at doing all the activities necessary to operate a successful immunization programme, eventually leading to more children immunized and fewer preventable childhood deaths. Our colleagues at IDRC Uganda presented some preliminary results at HSR 2014 that suggested that trust was perceived by people in the network to be essential for carrying out their activities, and yet it was not distributed equally throughout the immunization partnership network they studied.

One question that comes up often is: “Fine, we know trust and good relationships are important, but can we artificially intervene on them? Don’t they just happen organically?”

Photo from Outlook Business

Trust and relationship building do happen organically, but the process of building them can be accelerated. We know this from social psychology, from network science, from management science, and Michael's many articles provide a great overview. What is compelling about Michael’s new article is that he points to activities that involve a heightened physical state as being more effective at building stronger connections. He reports Prof. Uzzi’s findings that MBA students built their deepest connections on the sporting pitch, not in the classroom, and suggests collaborators take a walk together or play catch when discussing ideas and solving problems. 

So what does this mean for immunization partnerships? Should we be walking on treadmills while preparing immunization plans? Maybe (and I do know someone in Seattle whose office recently installed treadmills). Perhaps Gavi should team up with Right to Play and introduce sports days as part of regional immunization meetings or national planning retreats. Or perhaps Bill Gates should sponsor bridge tournaments as part of the Foundation's support to Gavi.