complex adaptive systems Flashcards
definition of systems (oxford)
a distinct entity that consists of a number of interacting parts such that the removal or failure of one part may incapacitate the entity as a whole
definition of systems (merriam-webster)
a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole
purpose of a system
to maintain an activity
to achieve a goal
a system is comprised of
“set of things”
“items”
elements (non-conscious materials such as materials, equipment, technology)
agents (people)
elements and agents
can be internal or external
interact and may be interdependent (some level of influence on one another)
self organize
produce unpredictable and non-linear adaptations
systems in nursing
patient
patient and their environment
patient and the nurse
complexity
as input increases linearly, complexity increases exponentially
goes beyond understanding the cause and effect of an event
explores the larger network of relationships, including new relationships that emerge
adaptive
means sensitive to changing conditions
adaptation is an iterative web of non-linear relationships
outcomes of adaptations
emerge in ways that can neither be predicted or controlled
any change in initial characteristics of an active system
can significantly affect the long-term behaviours of the system
complex adaptive systems (CAS)
includes elements and agents
are open, dynamic, non-linear
receive, process, and retain information
must respond to change and produce an output
elements and agents included in a complex adaptive system
are interactive interdependent, and experience change
influence the whole system either directly or indirectly
