COMPLEXITY IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

COMPLEXITY IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

Nearly every discussion of current issues and contexts in health care begins with mention of the complexity of the problems we face and solutions we must implement. Complexity has become the introduction, the theoretical explanation, and the metaphor for the current and future state of health care. Consequently, chaos theory and complex adaptive systems are discussed in so many situations that they have become the catch phrases of the industry, with little general agreement on definitions and even less precision of application. Paley (2007, p. 234) chastised writers in health care literature for misuse and error in what he called “the over-hasty adoption of complexity ideas” as “essentially just one more intellectual fad.” It is true that it has become fashionable to make “expansive claims” and “grand gestures” (Paley, 2007, pp. 233, 240) regarding chaos, complexity, and health care. Nevertheless, the references to complex states and issues continue to prevail, and it is difficult to argue that chaos and complexity have no real influence. Thus, it is helpful for any leader to have a basic awareness of such approaches to thinking about and practicing in a new world of health care. Space is not adequate in this book to provide the quick-and-easy comprehensive discourse on chaos and complexity theory often desired by the emerging leader. The concepts cross a wide range of disciplines in their meanings and applications. Many of the ideas have been applied to areas as divergent as biology and art. Further, application of such theories to the daily practice of a leader can be daunting. Nevertheless, the complexity of the very concepts and theories of complexity should not intimidate you as a leader. These are topics that should be studied from a range of authors and perspectives. It is precisely because they are often discussed in areas far distant from health care that such theories provide an excellent opportunity for learning and practice for innovation in thinking and leading.

Chaos, Quanta, and Complexity Theory