Abstract
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 Beers Viable Systems Model [1] provided the guiding principles for the programs redesign. The Viable Systems Model with its broadly applicable principles [1], is now the conceptual model of information management in the program. Beers 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.
Highlights
Our Hospital’s Complex Care Program (CCP) provides care coordination and clinical support for people with chronic health and psychosocial complexities
The changes made were informed largely by Beer’s Viable Systems Model (VSM), an approach grounded in early complexity theory principles of cybernetic network theory [2]
This paper describes the program’s change journey of translating generic complex systems’ principles into a healthcare practice context
Summary
Our Hospital’s Complex Care Program (CCP) provides care coordination and clinical support for people with chronic health and psychosocial complexities. In 2016 we undertook a service redesign to augment the program’s capacity for responsive, well-integrated, patient care. The changes made were informed largely by Beer’s Viable Systems Model (VSM), an approach grounded in early complexity theory principles of cybernetic network theory [2]. The CCP coordinates care for 300 or more patients at a time, largely in the community setting.
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