System Dynamics Modeling for Health Decision Making
This workshop introduces participants to key concepts, theory, and tools of system dynamics modeling (SDM) for application in public health and healthcare. Using diverse examples, it guides participants to the nuts and bolts of SDM, including policy resistance, system structure, causal loops diagrams (CLD), reinforcing and balancing loops, stock and flow diagrams (SFD), integration of CLD and SFD, simulation modeling exercises, and sensitivity analysis, using Vensim and AnyLogic. Participants increase their understanding of how SDM can be used together with traditional analytical methods, including epidemiological and biostatistical methods, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses and develop their own SD models and prepare to make sound decisions and design more effective policies in public health and healthcare.