Why System Dynamics?
System dynamics is an approach to understanding the behavior of complex systems over time via stocks and flows. The advantages of this methodology are listed but limited to:
Related Reference:
Homer, J.B. and G.B. Hirsch, System dynamics modeling for public health: background and opportunities. Am J Public Health, 2006. 96(3): p. 452–458.
- A framework for integrating what we know, and determining importance of what we don’t know.
- Support identification of high impact leverage point.
- Offer a virtual world in which to “try out” and compare policies.
Related Reference:
Homer, J.B. and G.B. Hirsch, System dynamics modeling for public health: background and opportunities. Am J Public Health, 2006. 96(3): p. 452–458.
Model Structure
The model is programmed using Vensim software. The veteran population is segmented into 11 mutually exclusive disease states (highlighted in dark green in Figure 1) based on the history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke.
Specified rates of flow determine how veterans flow from one sub-population to another over time (flows are indicated with arrows in the Figure 1) and ultimately affect modeled outcome variables.
Specified rates of flow determine how veterans flow from one sub-population to another over time (flows are indicated with arrows in the Figure 1) and ultimately affect modeled outcome variables.
Model Inputs
An earlier version of the documentation of the model inputs are displayed.