This webinar delves into the findings of a systematic review on the application of System Dynamics modeling in cancer prevention and control, as presented in the recently published research in the PLOS ONE journal. It aims to explore the scope, characteristics, and quality of studies utilizing System Dynamics, including simulation and diagramming techniques such as causal-loop diagramming, in the context of cancer-related research. The research assess the quality of these studies, their alignment with the cancer control continuum, and the synthesis of their characteristics and models.
Special attention is given to diverse topics addressed in these studies, including chemotherapy treatments, tobacco or e-cigarette use reduction interventions, and cancer risks from environmental contamination. This presentation will highlight the current state of System Dynamics in cancer research, and address the need for rigorous, transparent model development and testing practices.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding System Dynamics in Cancer Research: Gain insights into how System Dynamics modeling, including both simulation and diagramming approaches, is applied in cancer prevention and control.
- Assessment of Study Quality and Scope: Learn to assess the quality of System Dynamics studies in cancer research using adapted criteria, and understand their alignment with the cancer control continuum.
- Identifying Key Focus Areas and Interventions: Acquire knowledge about the key focus areas within these studies, such as treatment, prevention, and detection, and explore the types of interventions modeled.
- Improvement and Best Practices: Recognize the need for improved rigor and transparency in model development and testing in cancer research using System Dynamics, and discuss the development of supportive infrastructure and best practices for multidisciplinary research.
About the Presenters
Erin Kenzie is an Assistant Professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon and holds faculty roles at the Portland State University System Science Program and the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network. She received her PhD in Systems Science from PSU in 2021. Dr. Kenzie’s research spans system dynamics, implementation science, and public health. She has been involved in research applying System Dynamics to colorectal cancer screening, behavioral health system capacity, unhealthy alcohol use screening and treatment, rural Veteran access to care, health plan-clinic partnerships, behavioral health integration, traumatic brain injury recovery, and climate change mitigation behavior.
Wayne Wakeland is Professor Emeritus of Systems Science at Portland State University. He also served as the Systems Science Program Chair for many years. He earned a B.S. and a Master of Engineering at Harvey Mudd College (1973); and a Ph.D. in Systems Science at Portland State U. (1977). He developed and taught courses on computer simulation methods and more recently a course on system sustainability and organizational resilience. His research focused on the use of computational models for studying a variety of topics, including complications during human pregnancy, recovery from concussion, and policies to reduce opioid drug diversion, abuse, and overdose deaths. Other topics included environmental/ecological sustainability and elevated intracranial pressure due to traumatic brain injusy. He has been active in the System Dynamics Society for many years and helps lead its Health Policy Special Interest Group.
