Toward the Adoption of Complexity Science in Health Care

• DOI: 10.1097/hcm.0b013e3182078be9
• Publication Date: 2013-10-11T23:21:23Z
• Authors: Bianca Perez; Aaron Liberman
• Keywords: Terminal Care; Risk-Taking; Adoption; Decision Making; 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences; Humans; Delivery of Health Care; Organizational Innovation; Emotional Intelligence; 3. Good health

This article explores the issues of risk taking and decision making in health care. An analysis of various sociocultural and psychological influences is provided for understanding of the dominant mind set in this industry. In tandem with this analysis, the evolution of system theories is described so as to promote understanding of the relative merits of the mechanistic and complexity philosophies. These philosophies are at odds with each other, conceptually and practically speaking; however, it seems that the complexity approach offers more promising strategies for the growth and development of health care. Recommendations for improving employee competencies and the organizational structure and culture in health care are offered in light of this analysis. These recommendations are relevant to activities that are clinical and administrative in nature.