Systems Change Science

Introductory Paragraph

The primary purpose of this article is to demystify systems change science. Anyone working to change social norms is, by definition, aspiring to change a variety of systems which support outlooks resistant or barriers to innovative solutions. Anyone involved in working across the continuum of care or doing multi-sectoral work is, by definition, breaking down silos (See the SAFE Solution article titled, “Activate Your Community.”) Systems change science simply highlights the most effective ways to make those changes happen.

The secondary purpose of this article is to introduce the relationships between the themes covered in greater detail in the other articles in this collection of article on system-building. For example, all of the articles of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) incorporate data, whether it is in needs assessment, prioritization of implementation choices during planning, or in evaluating outcomes. Likewise, the process of advocacy (see “Advocate for Policy Change”) is dependent not only upon data but upon the effective communication of measurable outcomes (See “Build Education and Raise Awareness”).

Key Information

In keeping with the objective of demystifying systems change science, it may be useful to keep in mind the saying, “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” This comes from the systems approach, which is really just a way of thinking. It focuses on the big picture and on seeing the relationships between the component parts of the system. In a way it a bifocal vision — seeing both the forest and trees. It invites seeing patterns and underlying structures. Such a vantage point equips us to identify optimal courses of action to create change most effectively. For example, one motivated champion in a coalition may have more community impact than ten people who are members because of their departmental obligations, so finding three more comparable champions helps the coalition to leverage change more effectively than just focusing on growing the size of the coalition.

A systems approach also takes a deep view. It focuses on changing the source of conditions, rather than addressing symptoms. The prevention community has done a good job of promoting the need to balance “downstream” work with an “upstream” and proactive approach. Systems thinking goes further and looks at the groundwater. In many respects, a focus on protective factors creates a context for allies working in related fields, such as substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and the prevention of gun violence or domestic violence (See the SAFE Solution article titled, “Intersectionality.”) Likewise, the deep view of a systems approach encounters underlying values and worldviews that shape the landscape of the work we are doing around substance use.

Examples of System-Building

Any form of multi-sectoral collaboration is inherently systems work. Building coalition membership with representation from stakeholders who represent different agencies requires acting on a broad view. Bringing together health promotion and law enforcement agencies is a complex systems task because they tend to work on opposite ends of the upstream/downstream continuum. Likewise, fostering collaboration between the medical community and the faith community reveals the kind of language translation that is needed because one tends to speak of curing while the other operates in a healing modality. Community/Campus initiatives are also examples of systems work. Likewise, whenever we are working in two or more of the five zones of the social-ecological model (individual, family, peer, school, community) we are implementing a systems approach.

While system-building may seem complex at first, when the extent to which we are already engaged in working across multiple systems, it becomes much simpler. However, simple is not necessarily easy. One area of doing the hard work is in the community-wide norm change associated with stigma reduction (See the SAFE Solution article titled, “Reduce Stigma.”) Another example is work done to address social determinants of health. One cannot work very long in prevention, treatment, or recovery without encountering the “negative synergy” often caused by multiple concurrent barriers in transportation, housing, and employment systems (See the SAFE Solution article titled, “Apply a Health Equity Lens.”) Four more detailed examples are provided below, with specific action pathways:

• Harm Reduction. Any inroads that are made either in the realm of multiple recovery pathways or in harm reduction are proof of at least some degree of success in navigating through a systems approach. The distribution and training of how to use Naloxone continues to be an effective way to reverse opioid overdose and save lives. Other programs, like needle/syringe exchanges, reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of other diseases. Resistance to these programs is reduced when they are paired with providing information about treatment options and other available support in the community.
  • What training on Naloxone administration is available in the area?
  • How is this service being marketed to ensure organizations across the health system know it is available? What are the most effective ways to expand distribution of Naloxone and add other harm reduction measures?
  • Are there ways to improve linkages to care?
  • What can the coalition do to reach more people, especially in areas with the highest rates of overdose, to expand harm reduction efforts?

• Recovery Supports. Housing, education, childcare, job training, and job placement assistance are just some of the recovery support services needed to help people in early recovery. Without these supports, many people can become frustrated or hopeless - increasing their chances of relapse. Communities with strong supports for people newer to recovery have seen positive results.
  • What types of recovery support services exist in the region?
  • Who are the key organizations working on one or more recovery supports?
  • Are area employers engaged? What about area workforce development entities?
  • Who can help expand these efforts as part of the coalition?

• Peer Support Networks. Peer Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches can play a vital role across numerous systems change initiatives. Working together with police, health services, treatment providers, and recovery support networks, they often provide an initial link to care for someone seeking help after an overdose or just wanting help. In many instances, they continue to work with people for longer periods of time - helping them find and get through treatment, as well as to provide support in meeting needs to maintain recovery.
  • How are peers being utilized in the area?
  • Is there room to expand current efforts and add more peer support through additional training and funding?
  • If more peer specialists and coaches could be added in the region, who is needed to help make that a reality?

• Collaboration with the Criminal Justice System. It is generally recognized that, in contrast to long-term incarceration, a person suffering from SUD can be helped to a far greater degree through various diversion and treatment programs which can lead to a life in recovery. Socially and economically, this is tremendously beneficial to society.
  • What options are there for those in the criminal justice system in terms of diversion, drug court, treatment while incarcerated, and treatment/support services for those leaving incarceration?
  • Are there areas that need to be added or improved?
  • Given what programs currently exist, what improvements could be made within the state and local criminal justice systems in terms of additional or expanded programs to help those with SUD find treatment - either through diversion programs or treatment for those incarcerated?
  • Are key figures who are part of the system willing to participate in a coalition?

Relevant Research

• Extensive work has been done in systems research in the physical and biological sciences, but less in the social sciences, especially focused on social systems associated with SUD. The classic introduction to the field is provided by Peter Senge who defines systems thinking as “a way to see interrelationships rather than things ... patterns of change rather than static snapshots.” He calls it a sensibility for subtle interconnectedness that is increasingly necessary in a world fraught with complexity.

• A summary of work in changing social systems can be found in the work of David Stroh.

• The World Health Organization promotes systems thinking as a way to mitigate negative behaviors, anticipate positive synergies, and create system-ready policies.

Impactful Federal, State, and Local Policies

• The National Prevention Strategy (NPS) was developed as a result of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA). The National Prevention Council which authored the NPS is in itself an example of a systems approach, as it involved the efforts of seventeen different federal agencies. The Strategy explicitly places the responsibility for health and safety to the linking of community services with the empowerment of people and the elimination of disparities. It not only promotes the integration of SUD and mental health services, it does so by focusing on the relationship of both to diet, exercise, tobacco-free living, reproductive health, and injury and violence prevention. One example resulting from ACA and the NPS is the mandate for local hospitals to regularly work with the health departments in their county to collaboratively generate their needs assessments.

• SAMHSA is inherently defined as a systems agency by including both substance abuse and mental health in its name. SAMHSA has also been instrumental in advancing ROSC (Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care). See SAFE Solutions article titled for more information on ROSC. In addition to promoting the five data-driven phases of the Strategic Prevention Framework, two key concepts inform and are embedded within all five phases:
  • Sustainability. This is a system-building strategic posture, because it requires a long temporal view. However, SAMHSA promotes sustainability as more than just an approach to financing coalition efforts. It also intends for coalitions to develop and sustain their human capital.
  • Cultural Competency. Any projects funded through SAMHSA are required to meet certain inclusivity requirements, such as provision of resources in multiple languages. However cultural competency also extends much further into addressing health equity in building the capacity of a diverse coalition and ensuring all populations within a community are served. This creates a foundation for taking on the systems-level change required to address social determinants of health.