Module 7 - Start of Final Exam Flashcards
General Systems Theory (GST)
Ludwig von Bertalanffy
Ol’Bert felt we needed a common theory to guide research in mult. disciplines that did not communicate well
So, he made a common framework, where scientists from many disciplines, could better communicate their findings with each other and build upon each other’s work
Gives us and Lets us see interconnectedness
The Purpose of GST
- Helps us generalize from one situation to another
- Helps us find patterns in a world that may seem chaotic
- Gives a background to understand other theories
- Gives us an ordered way to look at our world
GST is concerned with …
studying and describing the way things are interrelated
GST explains how …
each discrete variable affects the whole and how the whole affects each part
GST is based on the idea that…
there are universal principles of organization governing the functioning of all systems
The main idea of GST is that …
the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
How does GST connect to nursing?
Nurses are enmeshed in many different systems (patient, families, communities, work place) so we can effect change if we understand how all these different systems work with each other all at once - rather than view them isolated from one another
What is a system in GST?
a goal directed unit made up of interdependent parts that interact and endure over time
These elements have a relationship that can be theoretically demonstrated
the system can also maintain organization in the face or change from either within or out - and if it cannot it will fail/implode
What are the most important things occurring in GST?
- One thing effects another
- Events and existence occurs in relation to other circumstances - no causative vacuums
- Systems are dynamic and want to adapt to change to maintain integrity
Whole > Parts
Systems have both ____ and ____
structure and function
What is the structure of a system?
The structure is based on the arrangement and organization of the parts making up the system. So, the parts are interrelated, interdependent, and function together to maintain the whole
Differs amongst systems
What is the function of a system
Input, Throughput, Output!!!
To convert or process energy, information, or materials into a product/outcome for use within the system, outside it, or both
No system functions in a ___
vacuum (other systems interact with it)
The greater ____ a system resides needs to be examined to understand the system
system/universe
Each higher level unit/system contains…
lower level systems interacting with one another
Target / Focal System
the system being studied at a particular time
Suprasystem
larger environmental systems of which the focal system is a part of
Subsystem
smaller subunits or subcomponents of the focal system (the lower level systems of the focal system)
Example of System Sizes
Community (Suprasystem) > Family (Focal System) > Person (Subsystem)
Each lower level system is contained within the larger one and contains smaller ones - interrelated - but there are boundaries separating them despite this
Boundaries
lines of demarcation between a system and its environment
They represent the interface or point of contact between systems and its sub/suprasystems
Boundaries of systems must be …
selectively permeable
so the interchange of energy between systems and environments can occur
What can occur if a boundary is too permeable or not permeable?
Too much can cause can lead to inability to adapt/change in order to maintain integrity and None can lead to overwhelming energy and instability
Types of Unhealthy Boundaries
Limited Non-Existent
Loose or Porous Boundaries (not selective enough)
Rigid (“Wall”) boundaries
Healthy Boundary
Selectively Permeable
Boundaries demonstrate how systems must always be in a state of …
growth and change
Examples of Variables that can Influence Boundaries
Experiences
Security
Physical Safety and health
Self identity
Comfort Level
personal boundaries
Different factors can either make boundaries more or less permeable
Types of Systems
Open or Closed
Open System
Healthy System
Interacts with the environment which is needed for survival
Capable of growth, development, and adaptation
___ is necessary for open system survival
Interaction
Closed System
Unhealthy
Isolated from environment
Fixed, automatic, relationships among system components
Little growth opportunity
Principles of an Open System
All Systems respond as a whole
All parts/systems are interconnected
Ripple effects occur
Nonsummativity
cause and effects are interchangeable
Ripple effects in systems
change in one part causes changes in another - it can GREATLY impact other systems it influences
ex: Improved water –> better life quality –> better child development –> Better economy, food security, etc
Nonsummativity
the whole system is greater than the subsystems/sum of its parts (every sub interacts with and has effects on other subs)
No part acts without consequences for other parts
Each part’s action affects not only the system, but also all the subsystems and environment/suprasystem
Whole > Parts
Another term for Ripple Effect
Reciprocal Determinism
Another term for Nonsummativity
Holism
Input
Exchange of information, energy, or resources into a system through the boundaries
It is the raw material that the system will transform
It is used to maintain the system and make outputs
Examples of Input
Information
Money
Raw Materials
Energy
Boundary Control
the degree of permeability of the boundary determines how much input gets into the system or output gets out
Degree of exchange regulates amount and type from environment, so equilibrium is maintained in the system
Throughput
The processes used by the system to convert inputs from environment into outputs useable by the system or environment
Examples of Throughput
Critical thinking
Physical Exam of patients
Planning
Decision Making
Output
Product or Service resulting from the systems throughput of the input
Products an open system releases into the environment and can re-enter the system or other systems as a new input form
Feedback and Systems
Communication/Feedback are important because they refer to output that is available to the system in ways that allow it maintain stable functioning.
q
How can systems use feedback to adjust?
Internally - modify subsystems
Externally - modify boundaries
Feedback Loops
Path where info can be traced from one point in a system through one or more other parts / or its environment, and back to the point of origin
2 types: positive and negative
Negative feedback loop
loop provides information that returns the system to a preset level and reduce deviation causes to the system
homeostatic system
Positive Feedback Loop
tends to promote change in the system
Example of the Hospital experiencing feedback loops with money, humans, info, material, time, and equipment as inputs?
Processed –> Better health and QOL (which feedback to the inputs)
All dynamic and open systems require continuous supplies of ___ in sufficient quantity so demands can be met
energy (we need it and need it to not deplete)
The amount of energy needed by a system is governed by …
rate of utilization of the energy within the system itself
Entropy
process of energy depletion and disorganization that moves the system toward chaos
ENERGY DEPLETION for a system
Negentropy
process of energy utilization that assists system progression toward stability and promotes order in the system
WE WANT THIS KIND
Equilibrium
Maintaining balance between negentropy and entropy
A dynamic balance that is always changing through feedback systems
It is a steady state resulting from the self regulation or adaptation
Homeostasis
State of balance between parts of a system sought by living systems
Parts may be disrupted by action from within or without
The system that is homeostatic will grow and lead, its ability to adapt increasing as a result, but too much flexibility will cause instability and function disruption
ex: As decker students we adapt to the stressors on us
Difference between Equilibrium and Homeostasis?
Equilibrium occurs between systems while Homeostasis occurs within a system
Differentiation
Tendency of a system to actively grow and advance to a higher order of complexity and organization
Since complexity increases (ex: Infant –> Adult) a balance is needed between stability and change to continue growth and differentiation
Equifinality
Same endpoint can be reached from many different starting points (many ways to the same goal)
All Systems operate on this principle
An open system will be able to maintain a steady state from many different means to reach the goal state
Goal (GST)
Overall purpose for existence of the system or the desired outcomes of system interaction
the reason for being
currently many organizations put their goals into a mission state (ex: our goal is to become nurses by choosing decker)
A balance between stability and change
equilibrium
Same endpoint can be reached from different starting points
equifinality
Whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Nonsummativity
Energy that promotes order in a system
Negentropy
Process which acts to restore homeostasis by inducing changes in the opposite direction of a force impacting a system
Negative Feedback
First step of the community assessment is the …
windshield survey
“Community as Client” means…
focus is not one-to-one, but rather the larger community
Involves making a community diagnosis through investigation of major health and environmental problems via surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation of community health status
What diagram is used during each windshield survey?
The community as partner model
Core, Recreation, Physical Environment, Education, Safety and Transportation, politics and government, health and social services, communication, economics
Qualitative Data
perceptions of health, attitudes, and health concerns as voices by the members of a population
Part of the full community assessment via survey or interview
Quantitative Data
Part of the windshield survey observations
ex: census demographics, vital statistics, housing information, local services and agencies, phone book, websites, observations via windshield survey
What kind of data is the windshield survey gathering?
quantitative data
Windshield Survey
actually driving through a community and OBSERVING different aspects that impinge on the health of a community
it is a way of getting a quick, initial sense of the community as based on the community-as-partner model
Community
a whole system that functions because of the interdependence of its parts (GST)
What makes up the Core of a community? (as seen by windshield surveys)
Demographics (gender, race, age)
Values and Beliefs (churches, culture, art, gardens)
Ethnicity (restaurants, festivals)
History (new or established neighborhoods, heritage, historical markers)
Things seen in the physical environment during a windshield survey?
appearance
type of community
climate
zoning types
air quality
water source and treatment
soil, radon, lead
solid waste management
animals, insects, rodents, deet
green spaces
topography and natural resources
Things seen in the Education subsystem during a windshield survey?
Schools in community?
Higher education in the community?
Day care available?
Libraries?
Things seen in the safety and transportation subsystem during a windshield survey?
Transportation:
Private and public
highways
condition of roads and sidewalks
air and rail service
school buses
Safety:
Evidence of crime
appearance of safety
protection services: fire, police, ambulance, sanitation
Things seen in the politics and government subsystem during a windshield survey?
do you know what some of the issues are locally?
any political activity?
what do billboards tell you?
what is the predominant political part?
signs?
Things seen in the health and social services subsystem during a windshield survey?
hospitals, pharmacies, urgent care, primary care, dentists, eye care, health department, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, emergency facilities
mental health services, counsellors, WIC, catholic charities, addiction treatment centers, social agencies, rescue missions, homeless shelters, group homes
Things seen in the communication subsystem during a windshield survey?
BOTH formal and informal modes of communication:
ex: Formal: papers, radio, TV, mail, cable, satellite dishes, cell towers, internet access
ex: Informal: billboards, bulletin, posters, gathering places, town halls, granges
Things seen in the economics subsystem during a windshield survey?
Employers; occupations and businesses
Automobiles: good condition? age?
Evidence of Homelessness?
housing conditions
signs of unemployment
How are people dressed?
stores: chains or local ones
Restaurants: fast food or healthy options
Groceries: accessible? Quality?
Things seen in the Recreation subsystem during a windshield survey?
types of recreational facilities: bike paths, walking trails, etc
natural resources for recreations
organized sports
health clubs
parks
pools
playgrounds
Some other things to consider and observe during a windshield survey?
Are people friendly?
What ages are people you see?
Do shops/stores seem welcoming?
What types of houses are seen?
How do people mostly communicate?
Where to children play?
How are people mostly getting around?
Is this a distinct neighborhood from others?
Did I feel safe? was there evidence of crime
Any unsafe behaviors or unhealthy behaviors seen?
