Systems thinking is
an approach to integration that is based on the belief that the component parts of a system will act differently when isolated from the system’s environment or other parts of the system. Standing in contrast to positivist and reductionist thinking, systems thinking sets out to view systems in a holistic manner. Consistent with systems philosophy, systems thinking concerns an understanding of a system by examining the linkages and interactions between the elements that comprise the whole of the
system. Systems thinking in practice encourages us to explore inter-relationships (context and connections), perspectives (each actor has their own unique perception of the situation) and boundaries (agreeing on scope, scale and what might constitute an improvement). Systems thinking is particularly useful in addressing complex or wicked problem situations. These problems cannot be solved by any one actor, any more than a complex system can be fully understood from only one perspective. Moreover, because complex adaptive systems are continually evolving, systems thinking is oriented towards organizational and
social learning – and adaptive management. When you encounter situations which are complex and messy, then systems thinking can help you understand the situation systemically. This helps us to see the big picture – from which we may identify multiple leverage points that can be addressed to support constructive change.
It also helps us see the connectivity between elements in the situation, so as to support joined-up actions. You can start with this LfS post – An introduction to systems thinking and systemic design – concepts and tools – that provides a framework for thinking about systems thinking in the context of a decision making cycle. The links below point to other sources
introducing systems thinking and how to manage and facilitate it to support a collective understanding of a problem situation. More information on how this can be used to support collaborative and constructive social change can be found through the linked LfS pages on systemic design and systems thinking
tools. Introduction to systems thinking Learn about systems thinking Overview of systems thinking Leverage points: Places to intervene in a system Systems archetypes Systems thinking: a means to understand our complex world Systems thinking for today’s organizationsSystems Thinking: An introduction Working with
Change: Systems approaches to public sector challenges Systems thinking: Unlocking the Sustainable Development Goals Tackling wicked problems : A public policy perspective Courses in systems thinkingOpen University – Systems thinking (free courses) Managing complexity: a systems approach – introduction More information on tools and methodologies to implement systems thinking can be found through the linked LfS pages on systemic design, systems thinking tools and conceptual modelling. You may also be interested in related pages such as supporting constructive practice change, and particularly the page on strategic planning. What are characteristics of systems thinking in healthcare?Systems thinking in healthcare has four major features. These are interacting feedback loops, non-linear relationships, delays, and soft and hard elements. Each one of these characteristics is explained below.
How a systems approach can improve health care outcomes?Rather than focusing corrective efforts on punishment or remediation, the systems approach seeks to identify situations or factors likely to give rise to human error, and change the underlying systems of care in order to reduce the occurrence of errors or minimize their impact on patients.
What are characteristics of systems thinking in nursing?Four primary attributes characterized systems thinking: dynamic system, holistic perspective, pattern identification, and transformation.
How can systems thinking be applied to understanding healthcare systems?Understanding Systems Thinking in Healthcare
Systems thinking was identified as a key enabler within this: Systems thinking works to decode the complexity of a health system, then applies this understanding to design and evaluate interventions that maximize health and health equity.
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