How does the World Health Organization (WHO) define systems thinking?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines systems thinking as an approach that views problems as a dynamic system. This perspective emphasizes that issues within health systems are interconnected and often influenced by multiple factors, rather than being seen in isolation. Systems thinking recognizes the complexity and interdependence of different components within a healthcare system, encouraging a more holistic understanding of how they work together to impact overall health outcomes.

This approach is particularly valuable in addressing public health challenges, as it allows for the examination of how various elements—such as policy, social determinants, healthcare infrastructure, and individual behaviors—interact and affect one another. By using systems thinking, health professionals can devise more comprehensive and effective strategies that take into account the broader context of health issues and lead to more sustainable interventions.

The other options do not align with the WHO's definition. Viewing problems as isolated incidents fails to capture the complexity inherent in health systems, and dismissing systems thinking as outdated or a strategy exclusive to economists neglects its relevance across various disciplines, including public health, policy-making, and healthcare management.