A systems analysis of changes involved in the successful integration of behavioral health into primary care often fails to take into account the “sub-systems” we call human beings. The change, which we can also call “learning” of health professionals, can be understood in the same systems terms as organizations. Using the work of Gregory Bateson on systems and learning, we will discuss these changes as they have been studied in the implementation of the Patient Centered Medical Home model of primary care. Finally, we will describe clinical practices that can move the process of 2nd order change (or 2nd level learning) much faster, to the benefit of patients and health professionals.
Deepu George PhD, LMFT, Associate Professor, Director - Integrated Behavioral Health, Primary Care & Community Medicine ISU, UTRGC School of Medicine, Bala Cynwyd, PA
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