Inculcating Systems Thinking in Public Health – A Dire Need of Time

Farah Rashid; Shahzad Ali Khan

doi:10.51273/esc23.25192.24

Authors

Farah Rashid National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad,
Shahzad Ali Khan Health Services Academy, Islamabad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51273/esc23.25192.24

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in the application of systems thinking to public health over the last decade. Systems thinking and science is a broad category of analytical methodologies aimed at exploring the behavior of complex systems. It is an approach to
problem-solving places more emphasis on understanding complex systems and their interrelationships, rather than just focusing on individual components. In general, a systems thinking perspective requires curiosity, clarity, compassion, choice, and courage.

In public health and health promotion, systems thinking is a fundamental ability that aids professionals in developing policies and initiatives that are conscious of and prepared for unintended consequences when complex systems of factors interact to affect health outcomes. Understanding broader health variables including social and economic factors is made easier by this. The social determinants of health are a group of variables that can have a significant impact on health outcomes.

Author Biographies

Farah Rashid, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad,

National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad

Shahzad Ali Khan, Health Services Academy, Islamabad

Vice Chancellor

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