Using System Dynamics to Influence and Interpret Health and Social Care Policy in the UK

Over the past two years OLM Consulting, initially in partnership with Cognitus, have used System Dynamics (SD) modelling in a wide range of health and social care settings to shed light on a number of difficult and complex issues. At the national level we would claim to have used models to moderate legislation significantly, by influencing national agencies and the upper house of parliament. At a local level we have used SD to help health communities interpret legislation in a meaningful and shared way to achieve a more balanced and sustainable consensus for change. Modelling was the means to review investment decisions from a “whole systems” and multiple agency perspective. We have also helped communities to own models and to work towards consolidating the modelling process into regular planning activities. This paper describes the work carried out and its achievements with particular reference to the role of models and the process of application. It describes: • The current state of the health field, including the challenges created by the legislative agenda • Experiences in creating a whole systems view of hospital discharge and exploring various elements of the mental health system. These are described in more detail in the accompanying papers presented at this conference