On consideration of Systems

This week has been what can only be classified as a loopy week --- but only from an Operational Research point of view. Starting with the work of Jay Wright Forrester in the 1950's, I have been exploring the development of Systems Dynamics and how it may be applicable in analyzing the impacts of under-maintained infrastructure on the patient.

Significant work has already been undertaken in the private sector on the cause and effect of poorly maintained infrastructure on production and profits, highlighting the virtuous and vicious circles of investment's impact on the production line. However, when that 'process' has a significant human element to it, what is the impact of those vicious and virtuous circles then?

Systems Dynamics will help map out key infrastructure elements, and allow the modelling of 'what if' questions, such as 'what if the level of backlog maintenance in the NHS continues to grow at the same rate over the coming 10 years'.

Next week there will be further research into Systems Dynamics, but also looking at whether other Operational Research methodologies could be equally or better suited to investigation into the impact of NHS estate infrastructure on patient outcomes.