Interactional Creation of Health: Experience Ecosystem Ontology, Task and Method

Chris Lawer's book, "Interactional Creation of Health: Experience Ecosystem Ontology, Task and Method," introduces a comprehensive framework for understanding and improving health through an ecosystem approach. Lawer proposes a shift from traditional health models to a more integrated and holistic view, focusing on the dynamic interactions within various domains of lived experience. Here are the key aspects of the book: Health Ecosystem Value Design (HEVD) Framework: Lawer presents a revised version of his HEVD framework, which is built on seven foundational principles. These foundations help in understanding the complex flows and forces that shape experiences of health, disease, and illness over time. Four Interactional Domains: The model identifies four primary domains—bodily-motor, perceptual-cognitive, social-cultural, and material-spatial. Each domain includes various entities and mechanisms that interact to form lived health experiences. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of different factors influencing health. Twelve-Step Method: The book provides a structured method for practitioners to analyze and improve health experiences. This method includes detailed templates and guidelines for conducting inquiries and implementing actions within health experience ecosystems. The aim is to enhance capacities in health systems for achieving valuable developmental impacts. Action Spaces: Lawer outlines the concept of "action spaces" which are strategic areas for intervention. These spaces focus on addressing the origins of health issues, changing perceptions and beliefs, determining differences in lived experiences, and designing multi-dimensional strategies to create desired health outcomes. This involves integrating traditional and non-traditional actors and leveraging various technologies and services. Holistic and Unified Model: The book advocates for a model that encompasses all aspects of health experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding how different elements interact to form and sustain health over time. This holistic view aims to reveal hidden possibilities for creating health and preventing or recovering from disease. Overall, "Interactional Creation of Health" aims to provide a new paradigm for health systems, encouraging a more dynamic and interconnected approach to health that can better address the complexities of lived experiences. This framework is designed to be applicable across various contexts, from individual health experiences to broader community and population health initiatives.