Bioterrorism preparedness through the lens of complexity theory

Robert Bebber and Aaron Liberman

International Journal of Public Policy, 2008, vol. 3, issue 5/6, 328-337

Abstract: This paper shows how complexity theory can better enable hospitals to prepare for bioterrorism events. It briefly explains the major theoretical dimensions of complexity theory and Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) and shows how healthcare is best viewed as a CAS. It then looks at the specific issue of bioterrorism preparedness, arguing that traditional scientific methodology is inadequate and complexity theory better prepares healthcare organisations for an unpredictable event such as a bioterrorist attack.

Keywords: bioterrorism; hospitals; complexity theory; CAS; complex adaptive systems; chaos theory; healthcare; disaster response; emergency management; public policy; bioterrorist attacks; terrorism; hospital preparedness. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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