Applying Systems Thinking to a Public Health Issue Essay

Applying Systems Thinking to a Public Health Issue - Essay Example Communicable disease control and prevention comprises quarantine and isolation, preventive measures, immunization, early interventions, which include public health education, antimicrobial treatment, and other measures. Effective efforts in the control, and prevention of communicable diseases rely on the understanding of the agent causing the disease within the population. This includes the reservoirs, the characteristics, the method of departure of the agent from the sources, the transmission mode of the agent, the method of entry of the agent into the host and the vulnerability of the host to the agent. The use of systems thinking in this program would assist in breaking down barriers between different departments by providing effective ways of solving problems. In order to solve problems effectively, it is critical to identify the real cause of the problem along with the means of solving this problem. Systems thinking emphasizes on the need to focus on the large picture or the systems and structures that cause the occurrence of the problem rather than the behaviors and events related to the problem (Scott, 2006, p.404). This approach of systems thinking ensures effective solving of problems. Systems’ thinking also supports effective communication between the departments thereby integrating the roles between these departments and improves the functionality of the whole organization. It is also imperative that systems thinking provide a more effective leadership platform within the organization as well as the different departments. Effective leadership implies that authority within the organization and in extension; the different departments within the organization are well defined. This helps in providing directions to the individuals within departments and setting out clear departmental rules. Moreover, systems thinking support a more effective planning process that provides