The how and why of Modeling to Learn: Participatory system dynamics to improve evidence-based addiction and mental health care

Lindsey Zimmerman, PhD
Stanford University

ABSTRACT:
This talk describes the national VA quality improvement initiative known as Modeling to Learn, which enlists participatory system dynamics to improve implementation of evidence-based psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Dr. Zimmerman will review MTL development to explain how and why the team developed five system dynamics models of common team care problems. These models are now in production nationally for use by busy frontline care teams. She will discuss mixed methods findings regarding key constructs in the PSD theory of change, including constructs shown to be effective in community based participatory research, and four dimensions of systems thinking identified in prior system dynamics research. Finally, she will introduce two national multi-site, phase III cluster randomized trials evaluating MTL for superiority against audit and feedback and usual VA quality improvement for improving the reach of evidence-based care. Dr. Zimmerman will explain how talk attendees can access MTL open-source models, curriculum, videos, and a demonstration simulation for possible use in their own health system or research. And, throughout the talk, she will reflect on lessons learned from supporting participatory modeling at national scale.