Towards Systems Thinking: Strengthening the Bonds between Operations Research (OR) and Health Services Planning & Epidemiology

Authors

  • Maria Stella Castro Lobo Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/ UFRJ
  • Marcos Pereira Estellita Lins Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/ UFRJ

Keywords:

epistemology, systems thinking, soft OR, complex societal problems, health planning, epidemiology

Abstract

The study proposes a dialogical approach between OR and Health Services Planning and Epidemiology based on the similarities of their own epistemological experiences, according to Habermas’ Theory of Knowledge. As a field of application, health services planning and epidemiology are Complex Societal Problems (CSP), requiring multidisciplinary and multi-dimensional approach. The paper suggests an agenda towards systems thinking to enhance the interaction between the disciplines to guarantee the implementation research´ results by decision makers. Multi-methodology and concept maps tools deal with CSP and may consider peacefully the coexistence of different paradigms. Structuring the problems by concept maps accomplish the systems thinking approach, by presenting the context with diverse levels, feedback loops and dependencies. The map is a real board upon which actors and stakeholders exercise their communicative skills and define collaborative loops towards concepts, meanings and practical implementation.

Author Biographies

Maria Stella Castro Lobo, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/ UFRJ

Chief of Department: Epidemiology and Evaluation of the University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho

Marcos Pereira Estellita Lins, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/ UFRJ

Professor of Production Engineering - COPPE / UFRJ

Coordinator of PSIGMA - Problem Structuring and Indicators for Modelling and Assessment

 

Published

2017-02-05

How to Cite

Lobo, M. S. C., & Lins, M. P. E. (2017). Towards Systems Thinking: Strengthening the Bonds between Operations Research (OR) and Health Services Planning & Epidemiology. Proceedings of the 59th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2015 Berlin, Germany, 1(1). Retrieved from https://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings59th/article/view/2424