Cancer strategy - monitoring and evaluation: participatory systems mapping
Systems thinking methods were used to efficiently collate and structure perspectives from NHS Scotland healthcare professionals to build a system map of the current healthcare system as experienced by those affected by cancer, and how the Cancer Strategy would impact and be impacted by the system.
Glossary
Systems thinking
“Systems thinking is a framework for exploring the interconnections in a system and a discipline for seeing and understanding the relevant aspects of the whole system - the ‘structures’ that underlie complex situations” [1].
Systems mapping
A method for creating a visual representation of a system. The aim of a system map is to explore causes and effects in a system [2]. A system map is usually composed of factors connected by links. These links are represented by arrows to indicate the relationship type i.e. positive or negative. A positive relationship indicates that if one factor increases, the connecting factor will also increase. With a negative relationship if a factor increases, the connecting factor will decrease.
Participatory systems mapping (PSM)
Participatory Systems Mapping is a method for generating a system map in an explicitly participatory way. This is achieved via workshops and using tools which facilitate participation [3].
Factor
A variable in the system map that can increase or decrease, either qualitatively or quantitatively.
Focal factor
A factor in the system map that participants identified as particularly important in their view about how the system should function.
System goal
A factor in the system map that participants identified as one of the core outcomes that the system should be working towards.
Participatory System Mapper: PRSM
An open source and secure tool to support participatory systems mapping workshops in a virtual environment [4].
Network analysis
A generic term for various methods of analysis of the structure and use of networks [5]. In this paper the system map can also be considered as a network.
Leverage and lever variables
Leverage is used in this publication to refer to the degree of influence a factor has across the system. A factor with high leverage can result in a large impact with a small change to that factor. A lever variable has high leverage over a particular factor.
Theory of change
A theory of change considers the key steps that are anticipated between an intervention and its outcome. In this paper it refers more specifically to the steps described in the system map between one factor and another.
Contact
Email: Rebecca.Brouwers@gov.scot