Complex Systems, Part II →
John Goodman finishes his analysis of complex systems. This time, he considers the policy implications of the fact that healthcare is a complex system.
- Complex Systems Cannot Be Managed from the Top, Down
- The Core Components of Complex Systems Cannot Be Copied
- Choosing Public Policies for Complex Systems
- Public Policy Lessons
Most people in health policy do not understand complex systems. They really don’t understand social science models either. As a result, when they advocate or enact public policies, they are almost always oblivious to the inevitability of unintended consequences. The idea that a policy based on good intentions could actually make things worse is beyond their comprehension.
Speaking as someone who works in healthcare: yup. Every time healthcare people get together in large numbers, I see the belief that they can figure out a master plan, using the power of good intentions to make everything better. (Usually, of course, without using any evil profits either.)
This entry was tagged. Healthcare Policy Knowledge