1. System dynamics approach to immunization healthcare issues in developing countries: a case study of Uganda
- Author
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Agnes Semwanga Rwashana, Ddembe Williams, and Stella Neema
- Subjects
Control theory (sociology) ,Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ,Health Services Needs and Demand ,Knowledge management ,Systems Analysis ,business.industry ,Health Policy ,Causal loop diagram ,Decision Making ,Psychological intervention ,Developing country ,Health Informatics ,Immunization (finance) ,Patient Acceptance of Health Care ,Mass Vaccination ,System dynamics ,Models, Organizational ,Health care ,Humans ,Uganda ,Decision-making ,business ,Developing Countries ,Health Education ,Qualitative Research - Abstract
This article critically examines the challenges associated with demand for immunization, including the interplay of political, social, economic and technological forces that influence the level of immunization coverage. The article suggests a framework to capture the complex and dynamic nature of the immunization process and tests its effectiveness using a case study of Ugandan healthcare provision. Field study research methods and qualitative system dynamics, a feedback and control theory based modelling approach, are used to capture the complexity and dynamic nature of the immunization process, to enhance a deeper understanding of the immunization organizational environment. A model showing the dynamic influences associated with demand and provision of immunization services, with the aim of facilitating the decision making process as well as healthcare policy interventions, is presented.
- Published
- 2009