How complexity science can inform a reflective process for improvement in primary care practices.
BACKGROUND
Quality improvement processes have sometimes met with limited success in small, independent primary care settings. The theoretical framework for these processes uses an implied understanding of organizations as predictable with potentially controllable components. However, most organizations are not accurately described using this framework. Complexity science provides a better fit for understanding small primary care practices.


METHODS
The Multimethod Assessment Process (MAP)/Reflective Adaptive Process (RAP) is informed by complexity science. This process was developed in a series of studies designed to understand and improve primary care practice. A case example illustrates the application and impact of the MAP/RAP process.


RESULTS
Guiding principles for a reflective change process include the following: an understanding of practices' vision and mission is useful in guiding change, learning and reflection helps organizations adapt to and plan change, tension and discomfort are essential and normal during change, and diverse perspectives foster adaptability and new insights for positive change.


CONCLUSIONS
A reflective change process that treats organizations as complex adaptive systems may help practices make sustainable improvements.
Stroebel
Christine K
CK
ORBIS International, New York, NY, USA.
McDaniel
Reuben R
RR
Crabtree
Benjamin F
BF
Miller
William L
WL
Nutting
Paul A
PA
Stange
Kurt C
KC
D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D020399:Practice Management; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012586:Science; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States