Title: Applying system dynamics and systems thinking methods to the development of robust workforce policies for the health and social care system in England

Authors: Siôn Cave; Graham Willis

Addresses: Grove House, Lutyens Close, Chineham Court, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8AG, England, UK ' Department of Health, Centre for Workforce Intelligence, Room 604, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, SW1 2NS, England, UK

Abstract: The Centre for Workforce Intelligence has developed a framework to inform workforce policies that take into account the uncertainty associated with the future. The framework is based on systems thinking principles and system dynamics simulation, and integrates horizon scanning, scenario generation and workforce modelling. The framework has been applied since 2012 to over 12 different workforce studies, representing over 2.5 million employees in the English health and social care system. This paper describes the framework and in particular how systems thinking and system dynamics simulation are used within the framework. The paper also provides two case studies illustrating the application in support of policy analysis.

Keywords: healthcare management; social care; workforce planning; systems thinking; system dynamics; policy analysis; England; workforce policies; uncertainty; simulation; horizon scanning; scenario generation; workforce modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2016.079093

International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 2016 Vol.6 No.3, pp.239 - 257

Received: 07 Jul 2015
Accepted: 16 Feb 2016
Published online: 12 Sep 2016 *

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