This presentation introduces complexity and systems thinking, and how they relate to the social determinants of health. Aziza Mahamoud, Research Associate, Systems Science and Population Health www.wellesleyinstitute.com Follow us on twitter @wellesleyWI

1. Introducing Complexity and
Systems Thinking
Aziza Mahamoud
Making The Connections Exhibit Opening
Wellesley Institute
May 07, 2013

2. Acknowledgement
Project collaborators
• Steve Barnes
• Jo Snyder
• Lisa Marie Williams
• Sal Miranda
• April Xie
Designer: Nicole Orlowski

4. The Challenges in Population Health
• The social determinants of health are inter‐
connected, interdependent and dynamic
• Multiple levels of determinants and pathways
• Exhibit cumulative and reinforcing effects over
time
• Intergenerational influences and accumulation of
social disadvantage

5. A Systems Thinking Approach at
Wellesley Institute
• WI has been working with stakeholders to explore
the use of systems thinking and modeling to
– inform our understanding of the complexities of
the social determinants of health
– identify, assess and develop effective policy
alternatives to advance health equity
– consider how new approaches like this can be
informed by and connected to community
perspectives and policy needs

8. Making the Connections
• A knowledge mobilization project which:
– aims to engage diverse audiences by explaining in simple
terms the social determinants of health, how they impact
our lives, their interconnections, and what actions can be
taken to address them
– targets community residents, community‐based
organizations/providers, planners, policy‐makers and
public health practitioners
– contains suite of engagement tools including a mobile
exhibit (infographic panels), a video, an interactive web
application
– introduces systems thinking

9. • As our city, communities, and society grow
more interconnected and dynamic, the need
for a systems thinking approach to foster
meaningful change will be critical

10. THANK YOU
Please visit us at
www.wellesleyinstitute.com