Using System Dynamics to Develop Policies that Matter: Global Management of Poliomyelitis and Beyond
by Kimberly M. Thompson and Radboud J. Duintjer Tebbens, System Dynamics Review 2008;24(4):433-449. PDF

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What are the study’s main findings?
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Background on polio

What are the study’s main findings?

• System dynamics can play a critical role in global health policy. This paper provides details of the system dynamics modeling that underlies our research on polio, and discusses the process we followed to bring scientific modeling of a highly complex issue to policymakers.
• Although system dynamics lies at the heart of our polio modeling, downplaying the modeling to focus on providing the answers to key policy questions played a critical role in the ultimate use of the results by decision makers.
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• Modelers interested in impact will find no substitute for asking good questions and engaging in collaborations and ongoing discussions with the decision owners and stakeholders. Key questions to ask include: (1) What are the questions that policymakers need answered? (2) How can we (the modelers) help them (the decision makers and other stakeholders) understand and use our models?
• Using models to improve health policies will require better communication between analysts and decision makers.
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