Module 7 - Start of Final Exam Flashcards

1
Q

General Systems Theory (GST)

A

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

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2
Q

The Purpose of GST

A
  1. Helps us generalize from one situation to another
  2. Helps us find patterns in a world that may seem chaotic
  3. Gives a background to understand other theories
  4. Gives us an ordered way to look at our world
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3
Q

GST is concerned with …

A

studying and describing the way things are interrelated

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4
Q

GST explains how …

A

each discrete variable affects the whole and how the whole affects each part

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5
Q

GST is based on the idea that…

A

there are universal principles of organization governing the functioning of all systems

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6
Q

The main idea of GST is that …

A

the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

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7
Q

How does GST connect to nursing?

A

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

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8
Q

What is a system in GST?

A

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

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9
Q

What are the most important things occurring in GST?

A
  1. One thing effects another
  2. Events and existence occurs in relation to other circumstances - no causative vacuums
  3. Systems are dynamic and want to adapt to change to maintain integrity

Whole > Parts

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10
Q

Systems have both ____ and ____

A

structure and function

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11
Q

What is the structure of a system?

A

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

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12
Q

What is the function of a system

A

Input, Throughput, Output!!!

To convert or process energy, information, or materials into a product/outcome for use within the system, outside it, or both

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13
Q

No system functions in a ___

A

vacuum (other systems interact with it)

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14
Q

The greater ____ a system resides needs to be examined to understand the system

A

system/universe

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15
Q

Each higher level unit/system contains…

A

lower level systems interacting with one another

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16
Q

Target / Focal System

A

the system being studied at a particular time

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17
Q

Suprasystem

A

larger environmental systems of which the focal system is a part of

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18
Q

Subsystem

A

smaller subunits or subcomponents of the focal system (the lower level systems of the focal system)

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19
Q

Example of System Sizes

A

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

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20
Q

Boundaries

A

lines of demarcation between a system and its environment

They represent the interface or point of contact between systems and its sub/suprasystems

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21
Q

Boundaries of systems must be …

A

selectively permeable

so the interchange of energy between systems and environments can occur

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22
Q

What can occur if a boundary is too permeable or not permeable?

A

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

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23
Q

Types of Unhealthy Boundaries

A

Limited Non-Existent
Loose or Porous Boundaries (not selective enough)
Rigid (“Wall”) boundaries

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24
Q

Healthy Boundary

A

Selectively Permeable

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25
Q

Boundaries demonstrate how systems must always be in a state of …

A

growth and change

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26
Q

Examples of Variables that can Influence Boundaries

A

Experiences
Security
Physical Safety and health
Self identity
Comfort Level
personal boundaries

Different factors can either make boundaries more or less permeable

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27
Q

Types of Systems

A

Open or Closed

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28
Q

Open System

A

Healthy System

Interacts with the environment which is needed for survival

Capable of growth, development, and adaptation

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29
Q

___ is necessary for open system survival

A

Interaction

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30
Q

Closed System

A

Unhealthy

Isolated from environment

Fixed, automatic, relationships among system components

Little growth opportunity

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31
Q

Principles of an Open System

A

All Systems respond as a whole

All parts/systems are interconnected

Ripple effects occur

Nonsummativity

cause and effects are interchangeable

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32
Q

Ripple effects in systems

A

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

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33
Q

Nonsummativity

A

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

34
Q

Another term for Ripple Effect

A

Reciprocal Determinism

35
Q

Another term for Nonsummativity

A

Holism

36
Q

Input

A

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

37
Q

Examples of Input

A

Information
Money
Raw Materials
Energy

38
Q

Boundary Control

A

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

39
Q

Throughput

A

The processes used by the system to convert inputs from environment into outputs useable by the system or environment

40
Q

Examples of Throughput

A

Critical thinking
Physical Exam of patients
Planning
Decision Making

41
Q

Output

A

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

42
Q

Feedback and Systems

A

Communication/Feedback are important because they refer to output that is available to the system in ways that allow it maintain stable functioning.
q

43
Q

How can systems use feedback to adjust?

A

Internally - modify subsystems

Externally - modify boundaries

44
Q

Feedback Loops

A

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

45
Q

Negative feedback loop

A

loop provides information that returns the system to a preset level and reduce deviation causes to the system

homeostatic system

46
Q

Positive Feedback Loop

A

tends to promote change in the system

47
Q

Example of the Hospital experiencing feedback loops with money, humans, info, material, time, and equipment as inputs?

A

Processed –> Better health and QOL (which feedback to the inputs)

48
Q

All dynamic and open systems require continuous supplies of ___ in sufficient quantity so demands can be met

A

energy (we need it and need it to not deplete)

49
Q

The amount of energy needed by a system is governed by …

A

rate of utilization of the energy within the system itself

50
Q

Entropy

A

process of energy depletion and disorganization that moves the system toward chaos

ENERGY DEPLETION for a system

51
Q

Negentropy

A

process of energy utilization that assists system progression toward stability and promotes order in the system

WE WANT THIS KIND

52
Q

Equilibrium

A

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

53
Q

Homeostasis

A

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

54
Q

Difference between Equilibrium and Homeostasis?

A

Equilibrium occurs between systems while Homeostasis occurs within a system

55
Q

Differentiation

A

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

56
Q

Equifinality

A

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

57
Q

Goal (GST)

A

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)

58
Q

A balance between stability and change

A

equilibrium

59
Q

Same endpoint can be reached from different starting points

A

equifinality

60
Q

Whole is greater than the sum of its parts

A

Nonsummativity

61
Q

Energy that promotes order in a system

A

Negentropy

62
Q

Process which acts to restore homeostasis by inducing changes in the opposite direction of a force impacting a system

A

Negative Feedback

63
Q

First step of the community assessment is the …

A

windshield survey

64
Q

“Community as Client” means…

A

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

65
Q

What diagram is used during each windshield survey?

A

The community as partner model

Core, Recreation, Physical Environment, Education, Safety and Transportation, politics and government, health and social services, communication, economics

66
Q

Qualitative Data

A

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

67
Q

Quantitative Data

A

Part of the windshield survey observations

ex: census demographics, vital statistics, housing information, local services and agencies, phone book, websites, observations via windshield survey

68
Q

What kind of data is the windshield survey gathering?

A

quantitative data

69
Q

Windshield Survey

A

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

70
Q

Community

A

a whole system that functions because of the interdependence of its parts (GST)

71
Q

What makes up the Core of a community? (as seen by windshield surveys)

A

Demographics (gender, race, age)

Values and Beliefs (churches, culture, art, gardens)

Ethnicity (restaurants, festivals)

History (new or established neighborhoods, heritage, historical markers)

72
Q

Things seen in the physical environment during a windshield survey?

A

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

73
Q

Things seen in the Education subsystem during a windshield survey?

A

Schools in community?

Higher education in the community?

Day care available?

Libraries?

74
Q

Things seen in the safety and transportation subsystem during a windshield survey?

A

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

75
Q

Things seen in the politics and government subsystem during a windshield survey?

A

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?

76
Q

Things seen in the health and social services subsystem during a windshield survey?

A

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

77
Q

Things seen in the communication subsystem during a windshield survey?

A

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

78
Q

Things seen in the economics subsystem during a windshield survey?

A

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?

79
Q

Things seen in the Recreation subsystem during a windshield survey?

A

types of recreational facilities: bike paths, walking trails, etc

natural resources for recreations

organized sports

health clubs

parks

pools

playgrounds

80
Q

Some other things to consider and observe during a windshield survey?

A

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?