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Complex Adaptive Systems Theory ( Cas )

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Complex adaptive systems theory argues that, a small input can have an unanticipated large effect. For example, a large infusion of investment to pull together practitioners to work in a team without identifying their individual readiness to collaborate may have a negative impact on the organization’s vision of new models of care to meet their population needs. It is increasingly emphasized that effective healthcare focusing on the needs of the population must focus on understanding relationships and applying flexible problem-solving solutions to ensure successful planning and implementation of services. To address these needs, key principles of Complex Adaptive System Theory (CAS) can be applied (Reeves et al., 2007). This systems approach has been introduced into the interprofessional field and has expanded the use of complexity theory within the context of interprofessional education and collaboration. A growing number of theorists and researchers emphasize that people are complex systems who do not behave in linear fashions and that planning for and within healthcare requires understanding relationships and taking a flexible approach to problem-solving (Cunningham et al., 2002; Brown, 2006; Holt et al., 2007; Cacioppe & Stace, 2009; Judge et al., 2011; Weinberg et al., 2011). Complexity theory is well established in a range of disciplines other than healthcare including computer science, physics and management studies. However, in some areas of healthcare, mostly

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