Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Concept Analysis of Systems Thinking in the Context of Interprofessional Practice and Improved Patient Outcomes
Deborah Merriam1, Carol Wiggs, Robyn Provencio
1About the Authors The authors are members of the QSEN RN-BSN Community of Practice. Deborah Merriam, DNS, RN, CNE, is an associate professor, Daemen College Department of Nursing, Amherst, New York. Carol Wiggs, PhD, RN, CNM, AHN-BC, is an associate professor, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, Galveston, Texas. Robyn Provencio, PhD, RN, is a nursing instructor, California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, California. Karen Goldschmidt, PhD, RN, is an associate clinical professor, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pamela Bonnett, DNP, RN, is a professor of instruction, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio. Veronica Valazza, DNP, RN, is an assistant professor, Daemen College. Josette Brodhead, PHD, RNC-MNN, CNE, is an associate professor, Daemen College. Debra Scardaville, PhD, RN, CPNP-BC, is a professor and graduate program director, New Jersey City University Department of Nursing, Jersey City, New Jersey. Ann Stalter, PhD, RN, is a professor, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio. For more information, contact Dr. Merriam at dmerriam@daemen.edu.
Aim:
The purpose of this study was to explore the definition and application of systems thinking (ST) in interprofessional practice and improved patient outcomes.
Background:
Nurse educators need a universal definition of ST to implement in curricula to foster quality and safety while enhancing outcomes for nursing students.
Method:
The QSEN RN-BSN Task Force used the hybrid model of concept analysis to identify the process of fostering ST in clinical and didactic learning experiences and how ST changed over time from the perspective of educators.
Results:
The definition of ST in the context of interprofessional practice and outcomes was "a dynamic, analytical process that looks at complex patterns, relationships, and connections within elements and structures, resulting in the ability to recognize the whole picture."
Conclusion:
The concept of ST in the context of interprofessional practice and improved patient outcomes may be integrated within nursing curricula.
Related Concept Videos
Patient-centered Care
Nursing Clinical Information System
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
Integrated Healthcare System
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic...
Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
Fundamentals of Nursing Process II

