System dynamics’ potential in developing safety in complex systems– literature review and a pilot study for medication safety in a hospital pharmacy

System dynamics modelling includes a set of conceptual and numerical methods that are used to understand the structure and behaviour of complex systems. A system dynamics model represents the causal relationships, feedback loops, and delays that are thought to generate the system behaviour. Its full potential as a method to understand and develop safety in complex dynamic systems has not been fully identified. A systematic approach-based literature was conducted to identify studies employing SD applications in safety-critical domains. Thirty-seven studies were included and classified based on a customised human factors safety taxonomy framework. Results identified several gaps with a focus on healthcare. It also provides the rationale for an on-going pilot study applying SD to simulate the impact of staff workload on medication safety in a hospital pharmacy.