Managing Complexity: Disease Control as a Complex Adaptive System

Abstract

Trends in computer and communications technologies are enabling increased globalization and integration of enterprises, and corresponding increases of enterprise complexity.i¾ i¾ This article addresses management of this complexity using a complex adaptive systems framework.i¾ i¾ The nature of complex adaptive systems is first reviewed, drawing upon a range of examples to illustrate key concepts.i¾ i¾ The domain of disease control is then introduced in terms of prevention, detection, and treatment of disease, as well as major stakeholders in these processes.i¾ i¾ Overall approaches to managing complex systems are discussed in the context of disease control.i¾ i¾ Finally, strategic implications for stakeholders in disease control are considered.