Using system dynamics for collaborative design: a case study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In order to facilitate the collaborative design, system dynamics (SD) with a group modelling approach was used in the early stages of planning a new stroke unit. During six workshops a SD model was created in a multiprofessional group.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>To explore to which extent and how the use of system dynamics contributed to the collaborative design process.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>A case study was conducted using several data sources.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>SD supported a collaborative design, by facilitating an explicit description of stroke care process, a dialogue and a joint understanding. The construction of the model obliged the group to conceptualise the stroke care and experimentation with the model gave the opportunity to reflect on care.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>SD facilitated the collaborative design process and should be integrated in the early stages of the design process as a quality improvement tool.</p

THE CARE PLANNING PROCESS- A CASE FOR SYSTEM DYNAMICS

Health care is a complex dynamic setting suitable for system dynamics analyses. The method has the potential to be an important quality improvement tool in the near future. However, it will be necessary to develop the models beyond the pure production model focus on the clinical care process from a patient perspective and in doing so it is inevitable that variables such as health, communication and care planning are involved. Consequently, valid models for modern health care must involve variables that are unfairly designated as intangible. The present paper describes an exploratory conceptual model of the care planning process. It draws on a range of studies and theories about the process but also from an observation study. The paper discusses how it could be possible to incorporate and validate variables alongside the more traditional way. Key words: health care process, care planning, and system dynamic