Complexity in Health Care

This book addresses the principle that successful treatment incorporates a remarkably broad range of clinical variables. Clinicians must identify the extent to which each factor contributes to the success of the treatment process, and how to utilize this information strategically so that their combination enhances outcome. Complex clinical situations involve numerous macroscopic and microscopic components and their interactions. This book describes clinical practices and variables, that should be weighted according to their relevance for achieving treatment precision and improved results. The book is divided into sections, each containing topically organized chapters. Sections build from identifying discrete components of the clinical field to combined variables as they impact treatment progression. The clinical narratives that make up the latter part of the book elaborate on the course of care and the challenges involved in managing complex clinical situations. Cases range from primary care patients with systemic medical and psychiatric co-morbidity to more complex cases requiring the involvement of medical specialists, allied health professionals, and multiple health care systems. Scholarly, practical, and comprehensive, Complexity in Health Care enables clinicians to incorporate previously underappreciated health-related factors into their thinking and practice.