A SYSTEMS DYNAMICS APPROACH TO SUPPORT PROSPECTIVE PLANNING OF INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE CARE

摘要

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health problem in the United States. Patients with CKD have had critical care gaps that have perhaps led to a more rapid progression of CKD toward end stage renal disease. To improve CKD outcomes, an interdisciplinary project has been initiated. This article describes how system dynamics supported the planning of the project. We developed a causal loop diagram through discussions with a panel advisory group and health providers. The model is particularly effective because it can demonstrate the interrelationships among patients, providers, and policies, and predict the effects of the interventions. This preliminary work may overcome the common linear approaches to care and helped design sustainable interventions through an understanding of system complexities. Future work on the project will develop a stock-flow diagram with empirical data to support the effective implementation of proposed interventions.