Advancing the application of systems thinking in health: advice seeking behavior among primary health care physicians in Pakistan

Date

2014

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

BioMed Central

Abstract

Non-availability of competent supervisory staff, a focus on improving performance indicators rather than clinical guidance, and lack of a functional referral system, collectively create an environment that is non-conducive for improving patient care while also contributing to the isolation of physicians. Applying a systems thinking approach and using measles and tuberculosis as case examples, the study examined human advice-seeking behavior of primary health care (PHC) physicians in a rural district of Pakistan including the degree to which the existing PHC system supports their access to human advice. Findings underscore the need for a functional information system comprising context-sensitive knowledge management.

Description

Keywords

HEALTH SYSTEM, INFORMATION NETWORKS, PAKISTAN, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, SYSTEMS ANALYSIS, HEALTH SERVICE GATEKEEPERS, ACCESS TO INFORMATION, INFORMATION TRANSFER, CASE STUDIES, SOUTH ASIA

Citation

Malik, A.U., Willis, C.D., Hamid, S., Ulikpan, A., & Hill, P.S. (2014). Advancing the application of systems thinking in health: advice seeking behavior among primary health care physicians in Pakistan. Health Research Policy and Systems, 12. doi:10.1186/1478-4505-12-43

DOI