Systems Thinking in Short-term Health Missions: A Conceptual Introduction and Consideration of Implications for Practice

Authors

  • Robert Chad Swanson Brigham Young University
  • Brian J Thacker Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v2i1.50

Keywords:

Medical Missions, Global Health, Systems Thinking, Complexity

Abstract

A strong tradition of short-term health missions (STHMs) exists around the world.  STHMs have positive and negative effects on local health systems, and these consequences are often unanticipated and unintended.  Conceptualizing local health systems as complex adaptive systems (CASs) may help global health actors approach global health activities, including health missions with a greater appreciation for local cultural and environmental context, leading to increased local capacity and impact while minimizing unintended negative consequences.  For some, this might entail a shift in practice as it relates to short-term humanitarian work.  In this paper, we introduce readers to health as a complex adaptive system (CAS). We then consider implications for practice, including adopting a “learning health system approach,” that engages local stakeholders in an ongoing, iterative process of mutual learning and self-organization.

Author Biographies

Robert Chad Swanson, Brigham Young University

Affiliate Faculty

Brian J Thacker, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University

Medical Student

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Published

2015-05-28

How to Cite

Swanson, R. C., & Thacker, B. J. (2015). Systems Thinking in Short-term Health Missions: A Conceptual Introduction and Consideration of Implications for Practice. Christian Journal for Global Health, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v2i1.50