Creating a Vision for a Healthier Workforce Using a Systems-Based Approach

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Systems Science
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• Public health systems face unprecedented challenges including pandemics, racism, health inequity, and politicization.
• Workforce distress, burnout, safety issues, and attrition are prevalent across all levels of the public health system.
• Public health must demonstrate value and leverage opportunities for learning and system strengthening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the current state of the public health system.
• To identify opportunities for strengthening the public health system using dynamic systems mapping.
• To develop a system-level understanding for aligning strengths, growth areas, and sustainability goals.

Main Methods:

• Employed dynamic systems mapping, a distinctive systems analysis approach.
• Conducted focus groups and workshops with diverse public health practitioners.
• Developed a visual map identifying upstream causes and downstream effects of key system drivers.

Main Results:

• Highlighted existing and emergent strengths and areas for growth within the public health system.
• Identified tangible goals for immediate and long-term sustainability of local and regional health.
• Created a visual map to identify leverage points and develop strategies for maximizing impact.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic systems mapping is a valuable approach for strengthening public health system responses.
• The methodology facilitates continuous learning and strategic development for future public health needs.
• Lessons learned from systems mapping can inform local and national public health system strengthening efforts.