How Complexity Science Can Inform a Reflective Process for Improvement in Primary Care Practices.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2005

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Quality improvement processes have sometimes met with limited success in small, independent primary care settings. The theoretical framework for these processes uses an implied understanding of organizations as predictable with potentially controllable components. However, most organizations are not accurately described using this framework. Complexity science provides a better fit for understanding small primary care practices.

METHODS: The Multimethod Assessment Process (MAP)/Reflective Adaptive Process (RAP) is informed by complexity science. This process was developed in a series of studies designed to understand and improve primary care practice. A case example illustrates the application and impact of the MAP/RAP process.

RESULTS: Guiding principles for a reflective change process include the following: an understanding of practices' vision and mission is useful in guiding change, learning and reflection helps organizations adapt to and plan change, tension and discomfort are essential and normal during change, and diverse perspectives foster adaptability and new insights for positive change.

DISCUSSION: A reflective change process that treats organizations as complex adaptive systems may help practices make sustainable improvements.

Volume

31

Issue

8

First Page

438

Last Page

446

ISSN

1553-7250

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

16156191

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article

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