Embracing Complexity in Health

Global, national, and community health challenges in the 21st century are complex. They are defined differently by diverse stakeholders and across traditional disciplines and professions. They change unexpectedly and defy rigid plans. Our solutions too often result in little effect or unintended consequences and can make the complex even more unmanageable. Systems and complexity sciences offer fresh perspectives and novel approaches to a world that is rapidly changing and increasingly interdependent. As systems and complexity sciences are emerging as interdisciplinary fields, and awareness of the implications these fields hold for health is relatively underexplored, we are keenly aware of the sparse opportunities for systems and complexity researchers and practitioners dedicated to health to meet and engage in forward thinking. In this book, researchers from the physiological, social, environmental, clinical, prevention, educational, organizational, finance, and policy domains provide insights that illustrate the transformative nature of systems and complexity sciences for practice, research, education, and health system organisation. The contributions stimulate reflection, learning, and connection across disciplines, highlighting advances in the domains of health care, basic and clinical physiology, education, policy-making, and leadership. Embracing Complexity in Health is a highly relevant resource to practitioners in the field, students, instructors, and policy makers, and also should find an engaged audience among health and disease researchers, healthcare planners, health system financiers, health system administrators, health services administrators, health professional educators, and other health professionals. The trans- and interdisciplinary nature of health and health care are fostering a broad discourse amongst all concerned with improving patient care in an equitable and sustainable way.