- Title
- Making sense: from complex systems theories, models, and analytics to adapting actions and practices in health and health care
- Creator
- Martin, Carmel M.; Sturmberg, Joachim P.
- Relation
- Handbook of Systems and Complexity in Health p. 797-813
- Publisher Link
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4998-0_45
- Publisher
- Springer
- Resource Type
- book chapter
- Date
- 2013
- Description
- Common to complex systems are two fundamental themes-the universal interconnectedness and interdependence of all phenomena, and the intrinsically dynamic nature of reality. "At each level of complexity we encounter systems that are integrated, self-organizing wholes consisting of smaller parts and, at the same time, acting as parts of larger wholes" (Capra). Many of the original health complexity leaders, like Plesek, Dooley, Berwick, and Lindberg, have pioneered the approaches that led to many diverse pathways to health improvement. But have these ideas been sufficiently adopted by decision makers to make a difference? We stand at crossroads in relation to health systems evidence, funding and organization, particularly in the USA. Many cherished reductionist ideas about the nature of disease and illness and how systems should be organized to improve health outcomes have not delivered their promises, e.g. "disease management carve outs," and are found to be costly, fragmenting, and ineffective. In addition, comparative metrics have revealed many unintended and unwelcome consequences such as widening health inequities, overtreatment, and poor access to care to name a few. However, the opportunity to influence policy and practice has never been greater, as major shifts in healthcare provision are being forced by the international financial crises.
- Subject
- health care; medicine; system theories; models
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1342659
- Identifier
- uon:29005
- Identifier
- ISBN:9781461449973
- Language
- eng
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