Pivoting from systems “thinking” to systems “doing” in health systems—Documenting stakeholder perspectives from Southeast Asia

Abstract

Applications of systems thinking in the context of Health Policy and Systems Research have been scarce, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Given the urgent need for addressing implementation challenges, the WHO Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, in collaboration with partners across five global regions, recently initiated a global community of practice for applied systems thinking in policy and practice contexts within LMICs. Individual one on one calls were conducted with 56 researchers, practitioners & decision-makers across 9 countries in Southeast Asia to elucidate key barriers and opportunities for applying systems thinking in individual country settings. Consultations presented the potential for collaboration and co-production of knowledge across diverse stakeholders to strengthen opportunities by applying systems thinking tools in practice. While regional nuances warrant further exploration, there is a clear indication that policy documentation relevant to health systems will be instrumental in advancing a shared vision and interest in strengthening capacities for applied systems thinking in health systems across Southeast Asia.