October Journal Club re-cap
October’s Journal Club sparked a lively discussion about accessing the power of “natural networks” to implement health care improvements. The article Towards safer, better healthcare: harnessing the natural properties of complex sociotechnical systems by J Braithwaite, W B Runciman and A F Merry, examines the behaviours, pathways and appeal of established networks and their potential for communicating changes to the people most affected by them.
Natural networks are can be compared to water cooler conversations; they are discussions that occur in informal spaces where like-minded people exchange ideas around topics they are passionate about. In technological parlance these networks translate into Facebook groups, Twitter feeds, online discussion forums and blogs.
Participants debated whether it is possible for quality improvers to initiate a natural network where people feel free to exchange ideas and make constructive criticism about system or process improvements. Participants looked for examples of successful networks that were instituted by healthcare administrators as a conduit for discussion and have “tipped over” into natural forums for discussion. It was generally agreed upon that the General Practice Support Committee has come closest to this with its Practice Support Program by responding to the requests and needs of its members.
One advantage of developing natural networks is that it allows individuals who are passionate about system redesign inspire others who may be more comfortable following a policy rather than making it better. Obstacles arise in allowing participants to regulate themselves, for fear of losing control of the group and diverting attention away from the objective of improvement.
ImpactBC’s Journal Club could be described as a natural network. As part of the discussion,participants shared stories, examples of non-healthcare related networks they are involved with, and related resources that complemented the article.
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