September 17, 2018 – Professional Practice Model Theorists: General System Theory
The Houston Methodist Professional Practice Model is based on two theorists, Ludwig von Bertalanffy’s General System Theory (Bertalanffy, 1968) and Avedis Donabedian’s Structure-Process-Outcome Model (Donabedian, 1966).
Allow me to channel my inner nerd and summarize. General System Theory is a general science of “wholeness”.
- There is a general tendency towards integration in the various sciences, natural and social;
- Such integration seems to be centered in a general theory of systems;
- Such a theory may be an important means of aiming at exact theory in the nonphysical fields of science;
- Developing unifying principles running ‘vertically’ through the university of the individual sciences, brings us nearer to the goal of the unity of science; and
- This can lead to a much needed integration in scientific education.
(Ludwig von Bertalanffy, passages from General System Theory 1968 retrieved from www.panarchy.org/vonbertalanffy/systems.1968.html.)
How does General System Theory apply to our professional practice model and work at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital?
Our health care environment is a complex system with interrelated structures and processes. Think about how many departments, people and processes our patients and families encounter every day. Physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, food and nutrition services, case managers and social workers, registration, finance, lab, radiology, transportation and environmental care. “
” in patient care means all the parts work together to create a healing, holistic environment. Imagine an orchestra playing together in concert. The orchestra is made up of many separate musicians and musical instruments. When the strings play in harmony with the brass, woodwinds and percussion, a beautiful, integrated melody is born that can transport the mind, imagination and heart to another realm. How are you partnering with other departments and units to provide wholeness in patient care?
– Janet Leatherwood, CNO
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