It is increasingly vital that public health leaders are aware of the world around them. Through understanding and reflecting on current events in public health, leaders may develop solutions to public health issues and challenges on a local, regional, or national scale.
For this Discussion, select a current event in the field of public health leadership whereby the leader used a systems thinking approach. Reflect on the leadership featured within the event and consider how the leader’s specific characteristics impacted the outcomes of the event. Additionally, think about whether the leader’s use of systems thinking might have affected event outcomes.
By Day 4
Post a brief description of the current event you selected. Then, describe the positive and negative characteristics of leadership represented in that event. Finally, explain how the leaders in the event used a systems thinking approach and how systems thinking affected event outcomes. Be specifi (2 pages, Apa format)
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Introduction:
Public health leadership is an important aspect that requires individuals to be aware of the world around them. Through reflection and understanding of current events in public health, leaders may develop solutions to issues and challenges faced on a local, regional, or national level. This discussion focuses on a current event in the field of public health leadership and how the leader used a systems thinking approach to impact outcomes.
The current event selected is the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The positive characteristics of leadership represented in the event include quick action and communication to help contain the virus’s spread. However, negative characteristics such as inadequate training, poor coordination, and fragmented responsibility among the health-care workers and organizations were also evident.
The leaders in this event used a systems thinking approach by focusing on the interdependent relationships between the individual components of the system. They aimed to identify and address the root causes, not just the symptoms. By taking this approach, the leaders recognized that the outbreak was not just a medical crisis but also a social, economic, and political issue.
Systems thinking affected the event outcomes by facilitating a coordinated response, effective communication, and use of resources. By recognizing the interdependent relationships between the individual components of the system, leaders were able to identify and address the underlying issues, such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of resources, and poor coordination, that contributed to the spread of the virus. This approach helped to develop sustainable solutions to the outbreak and minimize the risk of future outbreaks.
In conclusion, public health leaders must embrace a systems thinking approach and recognize the interdependent relationships between the individual components of the system to develop sustainable solutions to public health challenges. In the case of the Ebola outbreak, effective leadership and systems thinking helped to contain the virus’s spread and minimize future risks.
