Population health issues are complex and caused by multiple underlying social determinants of health. For instance, while tackling obesity can be thought of in terms of “energy in, energy out”, when you dig deeper it becomes clear that there are more elements at play: Do people have access to food stores stocked with appropriate and healthy food? Do they have incomes to support these purchases? Are their neighbourhoods safe for physical activity? Do their jobs encourage sedentary or active habits; healthy or unhealthy choices? And on it goes.
A systems approach offers the ability to think big about population health issues and find effective solutions.
This approach allows us to consider the entire system. It encourages an understanding of the elements of the system and how they interact and relate to each other, and prompts us to find ways to influence and change the way the system operates.
In the words of one health promotion officer: "Nothing is linear when thinking systems. You need to be thinking all the time about how what you are doing links to the bigger picture? How is it re-enforcing the same message to other sectors of the community? How does it link with what your colleagues are working on? Nothing stands alone with a systems approach."
The Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2015-2019 is founded on a strong ‘systems thinking’ approach and advocates for this approach to be adopted across the state.
How are you and your organisation using a systems approach to improve population health issues?
Submit your story!