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Open Access Publications from the University of California

Scholarly Works (3 results)

  • Article
  • Peer Reviewed
UC San Diego Previously Published Works (2022)
The biopsychosocial model is among the most influential frameworks for human-centered health improvement but has faced significant criticism– both conceptual and pragmatic. This paper extends and fundamentally re-structures the biopsychosocial model by combining it with sociotechnical systems theory. The resulting biopsychosociotechnical model addresses key critiques of the biopsychosocial model, providing a more “practical theory” for human-centered health improvement. It depicts the determinants of health as complex adaptive system of systems; includes the the artificial world (technology); and provides a roadmap for systems improvement by: differentiating between “health status” and “health and needs assessment”, [promoting problem framing]; explaining health as an emergent property of the biopsychosociotechnical context [imposing a systems orientation]; focusing on “interventions” vs. “treatments” to modify the biopsychosociotechnical determinants of health, [expanding the solution space]; calling for a participatory design process [supporting systems awareness and goal-orientation]; and including intervention management to support the full lifecycle of health improvement.
    Cover page: The biopsychosociotechnical model: a systems-based framework for human-centered health improvement
    • Article
    • Peer Reviewed
    Publications (2020)
      Cover page: What Is Ethically Informed Risk Management?
      • Article
      • Peer Reviewed
      UC San Diego Previously Published Works (2021)

      This study investigates burnout and sources of stress related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among a group of health care risk managers/patient safety practitioners.

      An online survey was used, including the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and 1 open-ended question: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, what work or non-work-related issues have been causing you the most stress?

      A total of 31 participants completed the OLBI; 27 answered the open-ended question. Over 70% of participants qualified as burned out. A thematic analysis was used to analyze stressors. Key themes included impacts of social distancing, changing duties and workload, real and potential impacts of the virus (eg, fear of infection for self or others), and financial concerns (personal and organizational). Less common themes included untrustworthy and constantly changing guidance, feeling abused by persons in power, and positive comments about the experience of working during the pandemic.

      Burnout and pandemic-related stress may be very common in the health care risk management and patient safety workforce. Additional research is required to more robustly estimate the prevalence of burnout in this population. Meanwhile, the sources of stress identified here may aid health care organizations in taking immediate action to protect this vital workforce.

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