scholarly journals Change and improvement 50 years in the making: a scoping review of the use of soft systems methodology in healthcare

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Augustsson ◽  
Kate Churruca ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Healthcare Settings

Abstract Introduction Improving the quality of healthcare has proven to be a challenging task despite longstanding efforts. Approaches to improvements that consider the strong influence of local context as well as stakeholders’ differing views on the situation are warranted. Soft systems methodology (SSM) includes contextual and multi-perspectival features. However, the way SSM has been applied and the outcomes of using SSM to stimulate productive change in healthcare have not been sufficiently investigated. Aim This scoping review aimed to examine and map the use and outcomes of SSM in healthcare settings. Method The review was based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We searched six academic databases to January 2019 for peer-reviewed journal articles in English. We also reviewed reference lists of included citations. Articles were included if they were empirical studies focused on the application of SSM in a healthcare setting. Two reviewers conducted the abstract review and one reviewer conducted the full-text review and extracted data on study characteristics, ways of applying SSM and the outcomes of SSM initiatives. Study quality was assessed using Hawker’s Quality Assessment Tool. Result A total of 49 studies were included in the final review. SSM had been used in a range of healthcare settings and for a variety of problem situations. The results revealed an inconsistent use of SSM including departing from Checkland’s original vision, applying different tools and involving stakeholders idiosyncratically. The quality of included studies varied and reporting of how SSM had been applied was sometimes inadequate. SSM had most often been used to understand a problem situation and to suggest potential improvements to the situation but to a lesser extent to implement and evaluate these improvements. Conclusion SSM is flexible and applicable to a range of problem situations in healthcare settings. However, better reporting of how SSM has been applied as well as evaluation of different types of outcomes, including implementation and intervention outcomes, is needed in order to appreciate more fully the utility and contribution of SSM in healthcare.

scholarly journals Mapping the use of soft systems methodology for change management in healthcare: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e026028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Augustsson ◽  
Kate Churruca ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
General Information ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Healthcare Settings

IntroductionIt is notoriously challenging to implement evidence-based care and to update and improve healthcare practices. One reason for the difficulty is the complexity of healthcare and the powerful influence of context on implementation and improvement efforts. Thus, there is a need for multifaceted, flexible change methods that takes these complexities into consideration. One approach that has the potential in this regard is soft systems methodology (SSM). However, little is known about how SSM has been applied in healthcare settings, making it difficult to assess the usefulness of SSM for implementation science or improvement research. The aim of the proposed scoping review is to examine and map the use and outcomes of SSM in healthcare.Methods and analysisThe review will adapt the framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Citations will be uncovered through a comprehensive database search of the peer-reviewed literature. Two reviewers will conduct a two-stage review and selection process where the titles/abstracts are examined followed by a screening of full texts of the selected citations. Reference lists of included citations will be snowballed to identify potential additional citations. Inclusion criteria are English language, peer-reviewed empirical papers focusing on the application of SSM in a healthcare setting. Both general information about the citations and information related to the objective of the review will be extracted from the included citations and entered into a data charting form. The extracted information will be reported in diagrams and tables and summarised to present a narrative account of the literature. The proposed review will provide information on the potential for using SSM to affect change in healthcare.Ethics and disseminationNo primary data will be collected, and thus ethical permission is unnecessary. Dissemination of results include peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

scholarly journals Soft systems methodology for performance measurement in the Uganda water sector

Water Policy ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Kayaga
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems

Water and sanitation services in developing countries are delivered in an extremely complex institutional environment, characterised by “soft” problems, that is problems with significant political and social components whose “what” and “how” cannot be defined early in the intervention process. A problem situation common in developing countries depicting “soft” characteristics is how to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of existing performance measurement systems to track the progress towards achievement of water/sanitation-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Such problem situations are better handled using soft systems methodology (SSM), a methodology recommended by Professor Checkland and his research colleagues at Lancaster University, UK. In 2003, SSM was applied in an intervention that aimed to improve performance measurement systems in the Uganda water/sanitation sector. Through strong participation of the key stakeholders, a team of researchers with their local counterparts in Uganda developed and field tested a performance measurement framework. According to an evaluation by the international donor community, policy makers and managers in the sector, the past three annual water/sanitation sector performance reports compiled using the performance measurement framework have depicted a progressive qualitative improvement.

Using SSM to Approach Complex Problematical Situations in Learning, Teaching and Assessment Management

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Junkang Feng
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Chinese Higher Education ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Business College

Chinese higher education has moved into a popularized and internationalization stage, which makes the traditional learning, teaching and assessment (LTA) management challenging and sometimes problematical. This paper introduces how to approach complex problematical situations in LTA management by using Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) at the Business College of the Beijing Union University (BCBUU) in China. Through this case study of seven years, the author made sense of and improved the problematical situations. It is found that SSM provides LTA managers with an innovative and fundamental methodology to appreciate otherwise seemingly unapproachable and unmanageable complex and ill-structured problem situations that they face. It is also proven that the case study of SSM in the context of LTA management in a Chinese college is practically effective.

Semantic modeling for education of library and information sciences in Iran, based on Soft Systems Methodology

IFLA Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-289
Author(s):  
Amir Hessam Radfar ◽  
Fatima Fahimnia ◽  
Mohammad Reza Esmaeili ◽  
Moluk al-Sadat Beheshti
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Semantic Model ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Rich Picture

Reviewing the recently published texts in the field of library and information science education indicates some fundamental problems in this pedagogic process. According to different factors dealing with the process, confronting the challenges is considered as complex issues. Therefore, in this research Soft Systems Methodology, an action research method, was chosen to propose a comprehensive model to solve the mentioned problems. Based on the Checkland seven proposed stages, the problem situation was identified, and then it was expressed in the form of a rich picture. Driving root definitions and the CATWOE model were cleared to accomplish the conceptual model. Comparison of the conceptual model to the real world, also proposing feasible and desired changes are the fifth and sixth stages of the research. Finally, taking action to improve the current situation in the field of LIS education finished the procedure. Utilizing the steps of Soft Systems Methodology, this research draws the rich picture illustrating the process of LIS education and its issues dealing with the related ecosystem. Accordingly, the final model consisting of three ontologies was attained. To validate the semantic model, Cohen’s kappa coefficient was calculated. The model, approved by high level of expert agreement, not only can be an appropriate solution for the problems involved in library and information science education in Iran, but also can be considered as a pattern for future researches in designation and implementation of a semantic model of education in other disciplines.

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as an Interdisciplinary Approach

2017 ◽  
pp. 243-257
Author(s):  
Rahma Al-Kharousi ◽  
Nabhan Harith Al-Harrasi ◽  
Naeema H. Jabur ◽  
Abdelmajed Bouazza
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Real World Problem ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Tools And Techniques

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) provides an inquiry process for taking a systemic view of a problem situation, incorporating elements of intervention, social and political analysis, and then understanding of the real-world problem situation. The holistic view embodied by SSM facilitated capture of the relationships, procedures, attitudes, culture and structure of each participating organizations through thematic analysis and developing rich pictures. Furthermore, the use of SSM enabled creation of homogeneous groups of actors and system owners to go through different intervention processes. This chapter aims mainly to introduce SSM as interdisciplinary approach that can be applied in complex situation and deal effectively with different viewpoints about the definition of the problem. In the current research, reflection on the use of SSM in adoption of Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries is reported. It focuses on contributions of SSM in enhancing knowledge and practice of participants and researchers through different stages of SSM. This study approves that SSM is a methodology rather than a method. A set of tools and techniques can be adapted to investigate the problematical situation and deal with complexity and different perspectives of organizational people. In this research, SSM is described by participants as a learning process that not only define the problem but also improve the situation.

Police Operational Planning and Crime Detection through Adopting an Information Systems Approach

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Peter Kinloch ◽  
Hulya Francis ◽  
Michael Francis ◽  
Mark Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Viable Systems ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Generic Framework ◽  
Crime Detection

In recent years the introduction and subsequent enhancements of information technology has seen the emergence of major opportunities for developing new approaches to improve information interchange. The provision of information provides opportunities to find resolutions to problem situations, and the power of providing relevant and accurate information through using information systems cannot be underestimated. However, the world of information systems thinking has, so far, experienced difficulty finding a methodology suitable for utilizing the full range of available current information technology. This situation in the real world shows itself predominantly as information starvation as current information systems struggle to bring order and structure to information technology developments. This article will discuss the issues relating to the development of a new generic framework. The novel aspect of this generic framework for planning information systems is that it integrates Soft Systems Methodology and Viable Systems Model in a coherent whole, whilst embracing the concepts of self-adaptation and autonomy. Further, the generic framework integrates the spatial analysis capabilities of a Geographical Information System. The generic framework will then be tested in real world problem situations in order to test its effectiveness, efficiency and efficacy with regards to finding suitable solutions to the problem of information starvation. The importance of focusing the framework on GIS functionality is related to the fact that in many organizations GIS is employed as the solution to information starvation because of its ability to display spatial information. This article will demonstrate the implementation of the generic framework in a UK Police Authority, a large emergency service that suffers from information starvation. In the context of a UK Police Authority the combination of Soft Systems Methodology and Viable Systems Model being supported by GIS functionality is seen as being a significant progression in relation to crime detection and operational planning.

scholarly journals Soft systems methodology for implementing clinical practice guidelines in a general hospital: a study protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Soltani ◽  
Ali Heyrani ◽  
Ali Fakhr-Movahedi ◽  
Abdoljavad Khajavi
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Clinical Practice Guidelines ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
System Level ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems

Abstract Background: Adhering to Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) serves as the driving force behind making decisions based on the best evidence and making efforts for improving the quality of patient care and outcomes. In 2010, promoting the quality of clinical care through implementing CPGs was turned into a priority health policy in Iran as in many other countries. Despite requiring Iranian hospitals to implement CPGs in January 2017, the concept and implementation method of CPGs remained to be clarified. This action research focuses on acquiring an in-depth understanding of how to define and implement CPGs in a selected general hospital in Iran.Methods: This study employs Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a commonly-used approach for tackling complex problems with social, political and human dimensions. Given the inherent roles of technical processes, organizational culture, and personnel’ perspectives in providing clinical care, implementing CPGs was considered a complex problem situation, and conceptualized by use of a purposeful activity model. We will conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews and hold group discussions with different stakeholders to enquire into the situation. Moreover, we will use SSM tools and techniques to identify the main areas of changes, and select necessary measures to facilitate the implementation of CPGs. Flexible qualitative methods of data collection and analysis are utilized throughout the study.Discussion: Applying SSM in implementing CPGs can generate knowledge by recognizing hyper-complexity in healthcare setting, adopting an attitude of inquiry, and fostering dynamic changes in diverse and numerous worldviews of professionals in the accommodation process. This knowledge can provide a model for the successful implementation of CPGs at a macro-system level and facilitate the persuasion process at the hospital mesosystem level. More importantly, adopting SSM can create iterative learning loops over time and thus help the actors of clinical microsystems face future healthcare complexities.

scholarly journals Application of Soft Systems Methodology in Defining Professional Communication Skills for Malaysian Graduates.

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 960-971
Author(s):  
Ahmad-Tajuddin Azza Jauhar ◽  
Ganakumaran Subramaniam
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Professional Communication ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Problematic Situation ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Policy Makers

This paper investigates the usage of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as an assessment tool for improving teaching and learning English in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs). In this study, the Malaysian stakeholders – industries, government agencies of Malaysia and HEIs – are the ‘interveners’ who create the best solutions of the problematic situation of poor professional communication skills amongst the graduates. By using SSM, it is anticipated that stakeholders involved would reach a common ground in defining Professional Communication Skills (PCS), which will decrease the problem of skill mismatches. It is discovered thatSSM was able to examine the requirement from all parties by offering them a proper and equal stage to voice out their opinion. It is believed that SSM can help instructors and policy makers of Malaysian HEIs in making a sound judgement in teaching PCS in classrooms, and help to develop our graduates’ potential to bemore marketable employees.

scholarly journals THE APPROACH OF SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEM ONLINE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT CONSTRUCTION

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-360
Author(s):  
An An Anisarida ◽  
Syapril Janizar ◽  
Gary Raya Prima
Keyword(s):  
Human Activity ◽  
Management System ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Internal Governance ◽  
Management Consultant ◽  
Verification Problem ◽  
Online Management

Consultant as a service provider konstrukusi in order to realize its goal to ensure public safety and create a comfort environment of the construction need to organize a system of internal governance of the company. Governance is translated into the stages of the stages in the implementation of Construction Services. Soft Systems Methodology is the methodology suitable to assist the consultant planner. This methodology can explain their purpose and then designing the system of human activity to achieve these goals. The stages that exist in the methodology of SSM consists of 7 stages that starts from the verification problem situation that is not structured through the design of the system of human activity which are expected to help improve the situation. Think the system is a field transdisiplin that appears as a response to the limitations of a technical approach in the process of reduction to solve a certain problem which in this case is attempted to be applied through the SSM as a method in the application of the online management system (OMS) consultant planner construction. Using the approach of Soft Systems Methodology, manufacturing management system online (CSO) will more fully describe the problems that occurred previously.

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