Research Article

Using system dynamics to develop policies that matter: global management of poliomyelitis and beyond

  1. Kimberly M. Thompson1,2,
  2. Radboud J. Duintjer Tebbens3

Article first published online: 4 FEB 2009

DOI: 10.1002/sdr.419

Issue

System Dynamics Review

System Dynamics Review

Volume 24, Issue 4, pages 433–449, Winter 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Thompson, K. M. and Tebbens, R. J. D. (2008), Using system dynamics to develop policies that matter: global management of poliomyelitis and beyond. System Dynamics Review, 24: 433–449. doi: 10.1002/sdr.419

Author Information

  1. 1

    Kid Risk, Inc., P.O. Box 590129, Newton, MA 02459.

  2. 2

    Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02115, U.S.A.

  3. 3

    Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 4 FEB 2009
  2. Article first published online: 4 FEB 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted:
  4. Manuscript Received:

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Abstract

We offer an example of modeling that influenced global health policy related to polio and we provide some insights about the modeling process. Although system dynamics lies at the heart of our modeling, we emphasize that downplaying the modeling to focus on the policy questions played a critical role in the use of the results by decision makers. Here we provide details of the system dynamics modeling that underlies our research on polio, and discuss the process we followed to bring scientific modeling of a highly complex issue to policymakers. We hope that providing a better understanding of our efforts and describing our continuing analytical journey provides useful insights for others who seek to use system dynamics to develop policies that matter. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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