Applying Complexity Theory to a Hospital Complex Patient Care Program

• Published in: International journal of integrated care Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 19
• Main Authors: Borghmans, Felice, Fernandes, Venesser, Newnham, Harvey
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paterna Ubiquity Press 18-05-2021
• Subjects: Chronic illnesses; Collaboration; Communication; complexity; Complexity theory; Decision making; Documentation; Hospitals; information; Information sharing; Integrated delivery systems; integration; Interdisciplinary aspects; Patients; systems; Teams; Workforce
• ISSN: 1568-4156; 1568-4156
• DOI: 10.5334/ijic.5634

Increasingly, complexity science concepts are informing health care design and practice. The present paper describes the implementation of early complexity science principles in a Complex Care Program with the aim of strengthening the provision of integrated care. Grounded in cybernetic network theory, Stafford Beer’s Viable Systems Model [1] provided the guiding principles for the program’s redesign. The Viable Systems Model with its broadly applicable principles [1], is now the conceptual model of information management in the program. Beer’s framework has enabled a relatively small number of clinicians to coordinate care for a large cohort of patients with significant clinical complexity, and a multitude of providers, in the community setting.