Table 2 Examples of interventions utilizing characteristics of complex adaptive systems
Intervention | Characteristics Present | Score Given |
|---|---|---|
1-page reminder of BP goals put on the front of the charts of all diabetics | None | 0 |
Educational materials (articles, videotapes) sent to physicians at defined intervals | Learning | 1 |
Decision – support system generated treatment recommendations based on current treatment and level of control. Patients seen monthly until controlled. | Interconnections Co-evolution | 2 |
Pharmaco-evaluation and med review conducted at set intervals over 1 year. Emphasis on education, but tailored to progress of individual patients | Learning Interconnections Co-evolution | 3 |
Usual visits replaced with group visits led by a physician and diabetes nurse educator, who were allowed to tailor the meeting frequency and content to the needs of the group. The goal of these visits was to improve compliance through education. | Learning Interconnections Self-Organization Co-evolution | 4 |