One world, one health: An interactive exercise for public health executives

This session describes the development and implementation of an interactive learning exercise for senior public health executives at the CDC. The purpose of the workshop was to have leaders examine how they manage complex/wicked public health problems through applying a systems approach. After a broad review of materials, the experience was based on the convergence of human health, animal health and the enviroment. The session was facilitated and emphasized use of strategic thinking, political savvy to enhance partnering and collaboration as ways to manage complex issues. A relational diagram was developed based on the 2003 SARS outbreak with emphasis on upstream factors where partnerships and collaborations could impact the occurance of future zoonotic diseases. Three specific approaches were demonstrated to apply to complex problems. Interaction was enhanced through facilitated small group and large group activities supported by video clips and graphic displays. This session also includes a discussion of the unique challenges in developing systems thinking exercises for experienced subject matter experts. Lessons learned from applying these techniques in another setting are described as well as specific recommendations for others designing similar exercises for facilitating group processes which deal with complex, non-linear or wicked problems impacting health.