Annabelle Burns's activity

In group: Complexity Approaches to support Quality Improvement

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    Annabelle Burns posted an update in the group Complexity Approaches to support Quality Improvement 2 months ago

    Hi All 

    Thanks to those who joined the Systems Thinking meet up just now (https://q.health.org.uk/event/systems-thinking-meet-up-for-students-and-practitioners/).

    What an interesting and lively discussion! It definitely feels like there are a number of us out there seeking to deepen our understanding and theoretical knowledge of Systems Thinking and apply approaches to the complex world of the public sector. Connecting with others, sharing good practice and supporting and inspiring one another through the challenges would be a great thing to continue doing.

    We’ll have a think about what next and send out an email to those who signed up. Lots of top tips and reading suggestions were shared so we’ll find a way to compile those.

    My take away phrase was “walking and carrying the questions” – I’m off to do that now!

    Annabelle

    • Profile picture of Andrew Ware
      Andrew Ware replied 2 months ago

      Thanks for hosting the session Annabelle.

      Here is a paper I mentioned which is open access from the Systems Research & behavioural Science journal – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sres.3056

      It has a description of Systems Thinking, which is one interpretation, but useful for anyone getting to grips with ST. Some view ST from a historical account of the methodologies and another perspective is ‘bricolage’ or pragmatic use of what is useful to match a situation.
      The paper also has the list of Critical Systems Heuristics and their perspective on adaptions.

      In Q Lab Cymru, I mentioned our colleague adapted them and we used them in a national workshop to explore neuro-rehabilitation, which delegates , especially 3rd sector found really useful as a means to hold a conversation with partners.

      • Profile picture of john mortimer
        john mortimer replied 2 months ago

        Thanks, thats interesting. It shows the variety of systems thinking that is out there.
        I might post something about one aspect the paper refers to, thank that is the softer systems thinking. When I work with organisations, I find that the thinking of the managers and culture of the organisation an important part of what I have to do with regard to change. For me the challenge is less about systems thinking, and more about how to change using a systems thinking lens and approach. So, for me, I find the mindset very important, as when I can focus on that, I then have the ability to meet and discuss with managers as to why they are doing what they are doing. That can then lead to change.

    • Profile picture of Andrew Ware
      Andrew Ware replied 2 months ago

      Absolutely agree John. I liked your approach in describing what ST is not. ST described as hard systems or soft systems (given there is a methodology called soft systems methodology by Checkland) doesn’t do ST favours I find. Soft can imply ‘fluffy’ to managers or solely academic, when what they desire is something concrete. The soft side or conceptual ST stuff is just as technical and powerful.
      I know I raised a few methods, which will happen amongst practitioners of any discipline, but in practice and the example I gave, I haven’t mentioned a method or model…yet. As you describe its the facilitation and acting as a critical friend using the framework of ideas and lenses to help in the situation, rather than lead with a tool or method. The concept of bricolage resonated with me as an improver.