Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

System Dynamics Applications to Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom and Europe

  • Living reference work entry
  • Latest version View entry history
  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science

  • 143 Accesses

Glossary

Terms Related to System Dynamics

(A combination of adaptations from the System Dynamics Society website system dynamics software and personal views)

A System:

A collection of elements working together as parts of a complex whole whose behavior is greater than the sum of the parts. The word systems is often used to refer to complex phenomena existing in the world (such as financial systems, health systems, and computer systems), but the true meaning of systems refers more to an abstract or model of such phenomena existing only in a conceptual world we construct to think about systems.

Agent-based modeling:

A style of computer simulation based on the actions and interactions of autonomous agents. This type of modeling can be thought of as a combination of continuous and discrete simulation methods.

Causal loop maps:

A means of exposing and articulating the causal feedback processes at work in a complex system.

Complexity:

Having a large number of interconnected elements which...

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

Bibliography

Books

  • Senge P (1990) The fifth discipline. Doubleday, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Sterman J (2000) Business dynamics: system thinking and modelling for a complex world. McGrawHill, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Vennix AM (1996) Group model building. Wiley, Chichester

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, McKelvie D (2019) The dynamics of care. Springer, (in press)

    Google Scholar 

Primary Literature

  • Abdul-Salam O (2006) An overview of system dynamics applications in health care. In: A dissertation submitted to the University of Salford Centre for Operational Research and Applied Statistics for the degree of MSc Centre for Operational Research and Applied Statistics, University of Salford

    Google Scholar 

  • Age UK Press release 9/7/2018

    Google Scholar 

  • Alonso Magdaleno MI (2002a) Administrative policies and MIR vacancies: impact on the Spanish Health System. In: Proceedings of the 20th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Palermo

    Google Scholar 

  • Alonso Magdaleno MI (2002b) Dynamic analysis of some proposals for the management of the number of physicians in Spain. In: Proceedings of the 20th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Palermo

    Google Scholar 

  • Alonso Magdaleno MI (2002c) Elaboration of a model for the management of the number of specialized doctors in the spanish health system. In: Proceedings of the 20th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Palermo

    Google Scholar 

  • Atkinson JM, Wells R, Page A, Dominello A, Haines M, Wilson A (2015) Applications of system dynamics modelling to support health policy. Public Health Res Pract 25(3):e2531531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bate, A (2017) Delayed transfers of care in the NHS, briefing paper no 7415, June 2017. House of Commons Library

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayer S (2001) Planning the implementation of telecare services. In: The 19th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Atlanta

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayer S (2002) Post-hospital intermediate care: examining assumptions and systemic consequences of a health policy prescription. In: Proceedings of the 20th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Palermo

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayer S, Barlow J (2003) Simulating health and social care delivery. In: Proceedings of the 21st international conference of the System Dynamics Society, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayer S, Barlow J (2004) Assessing the impact of a care innovation: telecare. In: 22nd international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Bishai D, Paina L, Li Q, Peters DH, Hyder AA (2014) Advancing the application of systems thinking in health: why cure crowds out prevention, vol 12. Health Research Policy and Systems 2014, p 2

    Google Scholar 

  • Brailsford SC, Lattimer VA (2004) Emergency and on-demand health care: modelling a large complex system. J Oper Res Soc 55:34–42

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Brailsford S, Vissers J (2010) OR in healthcare: a European perspective. Eur J Oper Res 212(3):223–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2010.10.026

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y (2003) A system dynamics-based study on elderly non-acute service in Norway. In: Proceedings of the 21st international conference of the System Dynamics Society, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Coyle RG (1996) A systems approach to the management of a hospital for short-term patients. Socio Econ Plan Sci 18(4):219–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curram S, Coyle JM (2003) Are you mad to go for surgery? Risk assessment for transmission of vCJD via surgical instruments: the contribution of system dynamics. In: Proceedings of the 21st international conference of the System Dynamics Society, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC (1999a) System dynamics applications to European health care issues. System dynamics for policy, strategy and management education. J Oper Res Soc 50(4):345–353

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC (1999b) System dynamics applications to European health care issues. J Oper Res Soc 50(4):345–353

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield B (1999c) Optimisation as a statistical estimation tool: an example in estimating the AIDS treatment-free incubation period distribution. System Dynamics Review 15(3):273–291. (BC Dangerfield & CA Roberts)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield B (2016) System dynamics applications to European healthcare issues. In: Mustafee N (ed) Operational research for emergency planning in healthcare: vol 2. Palgrave Macmillan, London, pp 296–315

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (1989a) A role for system dynamics in modelling the spread of AIDS. Trans Inst Meas Control 11(4):187–195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (1989b) Understanding the epidemiology of HIV infection and AIDS: experiences with a system dynamics model. In: Murray-Smith D, Stephenson J, Zobel RN (eds) Proceedings of the 3rd European simulation congress. Simulation Councils Inc, San Diego, pp 241–247

    Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (1990) Modelling the epidemiological consequences of HIV infection and AIDS: a contribution from operational research. J Oper Res Soc 41(4):273–289

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (1992) Estimating the parameters of an AIDS spread model using optimisation software: results for two countries compared. In: Vennix JAM, Faber J, Scheper WJ, Takkenberg CA (eds) System dynamics. System Dynamics Society, Cambridge, pp 605–617

    Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (1994a) Fitting a model of the spread of AIDS to data from five european countries. In: Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (eds) O.R. work in HIV/AIDS, vol 2. Operational Research Society, Birmingham, pp 7–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (1996) Relating a transmission model of AIDS spread to data: some international comparisons. In: Isham V, Medley G (eds) Models for infectious human diseases: their structure and relation to data. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 473–476

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA, Fang Y (2001) Model-based scenarios for the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS: the consequences of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Syst Dyn Rev 17(2):119–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies R (1985) An assessment of models in a health system. J Oper Res Soc 36:679–687

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Derrick S, Winch GW, Badger B, Chandler J, Lovett J, Nokes T (2005) Evaluating the impacts of time-reduction legislation on junior doctor training and service. In: Proceedings of the 23rd international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Dijkgraaf MGW, van Greenstein GJP, Gourds JLA (1998) Interactive simulation as a tool in the decision-making process to prevent HIV incidence among homosexual men in the Netherlands: a proposal. In: Jager JC, Rotenberg EJ (eds) Statistical analysis and mathematical modelling of AIDS. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 112–122

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Darzi E, Vasilakis C (1998) A simulation modelling approach to evaluating length of stay, occupancy, emptiness and bed blocking in hospitals. Health Care Manag Sci 1(2):143–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El-Jardali F, Adam T, Ataya N, Jamal D, Jaafar M (2014 Dec) Constraints to applying systems thinking concepts in health systems: a regional perspective from surveying stakeholders in eastern Mediterranean countries. Int J Health Policy Manag 3(7):399–407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giuseppe N, 2015 Modeling the effect of information feedback for the management of the Ebola Crisis “advances in business management. Towards systemic approach”. In: 3rd business systems laboratory international symposium Perugia – January 21–23, 2015. http://bslab-symposium.net/Perugia.2015/Online-Proceedings-Book-Abstrac ts-BSLAB-2015.pdf

  • Giuseppe N, 2016 Modelling the Ebola Crisis with system dynamics, Boletín de Dinámica de Sistemas, June 2016. http://dinamica-de-sistemas.com/revista/0616b.htm

  • Gonzalez B, Garcia R (1999) Waiting lists in spanish public hospitals: a system dynamics approach. Syst Dyn Rev 15(3):201–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ham C (2018) Making sense of integrated care systems, integrated care partnerships and accountable care organisations in the NHS in England. https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/making-sense-integrated-care-systems

  • Heyne G, Geurts JL (1994) Diagnost: a microworld in the healthcare for elderly people. In: 1994 international system dynamics conference. System Dynamics Society, Stirling

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirsch G, Homer J (2019) System dynamics applications to health care in the United States. In: Meyers R (ed) Encyclopedia of complexity and system science. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. ISBN 978-0-387-75888-6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmstroem P, Elf M (2004) Staff retention and job satisfaction at a hospital clinic: a case study. In: 22nd international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Institute for Health Research (NIHR). http://www.nihr.ac.uk/

  • Jun JB, Jacobson SH, Swisher JR (1999) Application of discrete-event simulation in health care clinics: a survey. J Oper Res Soc 50(2):109–123

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Kim DH, Gogi J (2003) System dynamics modeling for long term care policy. In: Proceedings of the 21st international conference of the System Dynamics Society, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kings Fund/Nuffield Trust (2017) The Autumn Budget: joint statement on health and social care. Nuffield Trust, Health Foundation, Kings Fund

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacey P (2005) Futures through the eyes of a health system simulator. Paper presented to the international system dynamics conference, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacey P (2011) Integrated care development using systems modelling – a case study of intermediate care. In: Jain S, Creasey RR, Himmelspach J, White KP, Fu M (eds) Proceedings of the 2011 winter simulation conference, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Lagergren M (1992) A family of models for analysis and evaluation of strategies for preventing AIDS. In: Jager JC (ed) Scenario analysis. Elsvier, Amsterdam, pp 117–145

    Google Scholar 

  • Lane DC (2000) Looking in the wrong place for healthcare improvements: a system dynamics study of an accident and emergency department. J Oper Res Soc 51(5):518

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Lane DC, Husemann E (2008) System dynamics mapping of acute patient flows. J Oper Res Soc 59:213–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lane DC, Monefeldt C et al (2003) Client involvement in simulation model building: hints and insights from a case study in a London hospital. Health Care Manag Sci 6(2):105–116. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2600892

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lane DC, Munro E, Husemann E (2016) Blending systems thinking approaches for organisational analysis: reviewing child protection in England. Eur J Oper Res 251:613–623

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luke DA, Stamatakis KA (2012) Systems science methods in public health: dynamics, networks, and agents. Annu Rev Public Health 33:357–376. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031210-101222. Epub 2012 Jan 3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maliapen M, Dangerfield B (2009) A system dynamics based simulation study for managing clinical governance and pathways in a hospital. J Oper Res Soc 61:255–264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKelvie D (2013) Modelling social care complexity: the potential of system dynamics methods review no 14, NIHR School for social care research. sscr.nihr.ac.uk/PDF/MR/MR14.pdf

  • Miller R, McKelvie D (2016) Commissioning for complexity: exploring the role of system dynamics in social care, 2016, NIHR School for Social Care Research Scoping Review. sscr.nihr.ac.uk/PDF/Findings/RF58.pdf (The School for Social Care Research The School for Social Care Research is a partnership between the London School of Economics and Political Science, King’s College London and the Universities of Kent, Manchester and York, and is part of the National

  • Munro E (2011) The Munro review of child protection final report: a child-centred system. TSO, London

    Google Scholar 

  • National Audit Office Annual Report (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2004) Depression: management of depression in primary and secondary care – NICE guidance, national clinical practice guideline 23

    Google Scholar 

  • NHS England (2016) Better care operating guide. NHS England, Leeds

    Google Scholar 

  • Osipenko L (2006) System dynamics model of a new prenatal screening technology (screening pregnant women). In: 24th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Nijmegen, 23–27 July 2006

    Google Scholar 

  • Petersen LO (2000) How should the capacity for treating heart decease be expanded? In: 18th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Bergen

    Google Scholar 

  • Posmta TJBM, Smits MT (1992) Personnel planning in health care: an example in the field of rheumatology. In: Proceedings of the 1992 international system dynamics conference of the System Dynamics Society. Utrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Ratnarajah M (2005) European union working time directive. In: Proceedings of 7th annual gathering, UK System Dynamics Chapter, Harrogate, Feb 2005

    Google Scholar 

  • Ravn H, Petersen LO (2007) Balancing the surgical capacity in a hospital. Int J Healthcare Technol Manag 14:4023–4089

    Google Scholar 

  • Royston G, Dost A (1999) Using system dynamics to help develop and implement policies and programmes in health care in England. Syst Dyn Rev 15(3):293–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sadsad R, McDonnell G, Viana J, Desai SM, Harper P, Brailsford S (2014) Hybrid modelling case studies. In: Brailsford S, Churilov L, Dangerfield B (eds) Discrete-event simulation and system dynamics for management decision making. Wiley, Chichester. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118762745.ch14

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Sedehi H (2001) HDS: health department simulator. In: The 19th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Atlanta

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith G, Wolstenholme EF (2004) Using system dynamics in modeling health issues in the UK. In: 22nd international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Sterman T (ed) (2008) Exploring the next frontier: system dynamics at 50. Syst Dyn Rev 23:89–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor KS (2002) A system dynamics model for planning and evaluating shifts in health services: the case of cardiac catheterisation procedures. Unpublished PhD thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor KS, Dangerfield BC (2004) Modelling the feedback effects of reconfiguring health services. J Oper Res Soc 56:659–675. (Published on-line Sept 2004)

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor KS, Dangerfield BC, LeGrand J (2005) Simulation analysis of the consequences of shifting the balance of health care: a system dynamics approach. J Health Serv Res Policy 10(4):196–202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tretter F (2002) Modeling the system of health care and drug addicts. In: Proceedings of the 20th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Palermo

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Ackere A, Smith PC (1999) Towards a macro model of national health service waiting lists. Syst Dyn Rev 15(3):225

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Dijkum C, Kuijk E (1998) Experiments with a non-linear model of health-related actions. In: 16th international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Quebec

    Google Scholar 

  • Vennix JAM, Gubbels JW (1992) Knowledge elicitation in conceptual model building: a case study in modeling a regional Dutch health care system. Eur J Oper Res 59(1):85–101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verburgh LD, Gubbels JW (1990) Model-based analyses of the Dutch health care system. In: System dynamics ‘90: proceedings of the 1990 international systems dynamics conference, Chestnut Hill

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF (1993) A case study in community care using systems thinking. J Oper Res Soc 44(9):925–934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF (1996) A management flight simulator for community care. In: Cropper S (ed) Enhancing decision making in the NHS. Open University Press, Milton Keynes

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF (1999) A patient flow perspective of UK health services: exploring the case for new intermediate care initiatives. Syst Dyn Rev 15(3):253–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF (2003) Towards the definition and use of a core set of archetypal structures in system dynamics. Syst Dyn Rev 19(1):7–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF (2004) Using generic system archetypes to support thinking and learning. Syst Dyn Rev 20(2):341–356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF (2010) Dynamic cost benefit analysis for mental health reform (with David Monk and David Todd). Kybernetes 39(9–10):1645–1658

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, McKelvie D (2004) Using system dynamics in modeling health and social care commissioning in the UK. In: 22nd international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Monk D (2004) Using system dynamics to influence and interpret health and social care policy in the UK. In: 22nd international conference of the System Dynamics Society, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Monk D, Smith G, McKelvie D (2004a) Using system dynamics in modelling health and social care commissioning in the UK. In: Proceedings of the 2004 system dynamics conference, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Monk D, Smith G, McKelvie D (2004b) Using system dynamics in modelling mental health issues in the UK. In: Proceedings of the 2004 system dynamics conference, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Monk D, Smith G, McKelvie D (2004c) Using system dynamics to influence and interpret health and social care policy in the UK. In: Proceedings of the 2004 system dynamics conference, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Arnold S, Monk D, Todd D, McKelvie D (2005) Coping but not coping in health and social care – masking the reality of running organisations well beyond safe design capacity. Syst Dyn Rev 23(4):371–389

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Arnold S, Monk D, Todd D, McKelvie D (2006) Reforming mental health services in the UK – using system dynamics to support the design and implementation of a stepped care approach to depression in North-West England. In: Proceedings of the 2006 international system dynamics conference, Nijmegen

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Monk D, McKelvie D, Gillespie P, O’Rourke D, Todd D (2007a) Reallocating mental health resources in the borough of Lambeth, London, UK. In: Proceedings of the 2007 international system dynamics conference, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Monk D, McKelvie D, Todd D (2007b) The contribution of system dynamics to cost benefit analysis – a case study in planning new mental health services in the UK. In: Proceedings of the 2007 international system dynamics conference, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme EF, Monk D, McKelvie D (2007c) Influencing and interpreting health and social care policy in the UK. In: Qudrat-Ullah H, Spector MJ, Davidsen PI (eds) Complex decision making: theory and practice. Springer, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolstenholme E, McKelvie D, Monk D, Todd D, Brad C (2008) Emerging opportunities for system dynamics in UK health and social care – the market-pull for systemic thinking. Paper submitted to the 2008 system dynamics conference, Athens

    Google Scholar 

  • Zainal Abidin N, Mamat M, Dangerfield B (2014) Combating obesity through healthy eating behaviour: a call for system dynamics optimization. PLoS One 9(12):e114135. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0114135

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

Reviews and Reports

  • Bechberger E, Lane DC, McBride T, Morton A, Quintas D, Wong CH (2011) The National Audit Office uses OR to assess the value for money of public services. Interfaces 41(4):365–374

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Comptroller and Auditor General (2009) Reducing healthcare associated infections in hospitals in England. Report HC 560 2008–2009. National Audit Office, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Dangerfield B (2011) The role of behaviour change in eating and physical activity in the battle against childhood obesity. In: Proceedings of the international system dynamics conference, Washington, DC. Online at www.systemdynamics.org with N Zainal Abidin

  • Dangerfield BC, Roberts CA (eds) (1994b) Health and health care dynamics. Special issue of Syst Dyn Rev 15(3):526–567

    Google Scholar 

  • Forrester JW (1961) Industrial dynamics. MIT Press/Cambridge Press, Cambridge, MA/Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Lane DC, Munro E (2010) Appendix 2: applying systems thinking ideas to child protection. In: Munro E (ed) The Munro review of child protection part one: a systems analysis. UK Government Publication, London, pp 47–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Lane DC, Bianchi C, Bivona E (eds) (2010) Public sector applications of the system dynamics approach: selected papers from the fourth European system dynamics workshop, University of Palermo, Italy. Special Edition of Syst Res Behav Sci 27(4)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lane DC, Husemann E, Holland D, Khaled, A (2019) Two approaches to understanding norovirus foodborne transmissions: a study for the food standards association, Presentation to the System Dynamics Chapter Annual Conference

    Google Scholar 

  • McKelvie D (2011) Reducing alcohol related admissions to hospital. International system dynamics conference, Washington, DC. Online at www.systemdynamics.org

  • Richmond B (1994) iThink technical manual, ISEE Systems, Hanover

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Symmetriclab, Edinburgh, UK

    Eric Wolstenholme

Authors
  1. Eric Wolstenholme
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eric Wolstenholme .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Ramtech Ltd., Larkspur, CA, USA

    Robert A. Meyers

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Science+Business Media LLC

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Wolstenholme, E. (2019). System Dynamics Applications to Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom and Europe. In: Meyers, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27737-5_269-4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27737-5_269-4

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-27737-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27737-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Physics and AstronomyReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Chapter history

  1. Latest

    System Dynamics Applications to Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom and Europe
    Published:
    25 June 2019

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27737-5_269-4

  2. Original

    Health Care in the United Kingdom and Europe, System Dynamics Applications to
    Published:
    24 January 2015

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27737-5_269-3

Search

Navigation