Advancing the application of systems thinking in health : South African examples of a leadership of sensemaking for primary health care

Date

2014

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

BioMed Central

Abstract

Sub-district managers recognize the challenge of having to address the passivity of primary health care (PHC) managers and their staff, as well as their role in empowering them. The article discusses leadership practices that facilitate change processes and allow for more active engagement and ownership both by managers and their staff. Undertaken collaboratively between health managers and researchers, the project is implemented through cycles of action-learning, including systematic reflection and synthesis, focusing on how local health managers can better support front line facility managers in PHC. The analysis adds to a limited body of work examining health system complexity.

Description

Keywords

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, SOUTH AFRICA, HEALTH SYSTEM, LEADERSHIP, HEALTH POLICY, SYSTEMS ANALYSIS, ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM, HEALTH SERVICE GATEKEEPERS, SOUTH OF SAHARA, COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, COMMUNICATION BARRIERS, CAPE TOWN, HEALTHCARE REFORM, HEALTH-CARE DELIVERY, HEALTH FACILITIES, HEALTH EQUITY

Citation

Gilson, L., Elloker, S., Olckers, P., & Lehmann, U. (2014). Advancing the application of systems thinking in health: South African examples of a leadership of sensemaking for primary health care. Health Research Policy and Systems, 12. doi:10.1186/1478-4505-12-30

DOI