Abstract for: Extending Group Model Building to Agent Based Modeling: A Case Study on Understanding the Paradox of Primary Care

Group model building (GMB) has historically been applied using system dynamics. However, the growing interest in GMB and systems science methods including system dynamics and agent based modeling has led to increased curiosity about the feasibility of extending GMB to agent based modeling (ABM). This paper reports on a study seeking determine to the degree to which GMB can be extended to ABM. The study involved eight time-separated 2.5-hour structured sessions with 15 community participants over a period of nine months, focusing on understanding a paradox in primary care. An ABM was successfully developed through multiple iterations. At the end of the project, participants demonstrated ownership in the model and commitment to the outcomes. Many aspects of GMB could readily be extended to ABM with similar types of outcomes raising the possibility of using GMB as a gen