Systems that must adjust to environmental changes as they are affected by what is going on around them are known as:

The concept of open systems refers to systems that interact with their external environment and are influenced by various external factors. These systems are characterized by their ability to exchange information, energy, or materials with their surroundings, enabling them to adapt and evolve in response to changes in the environment. In the context of health information management, open systems might integrate patient data from various sources, adapt to evolving healthcare policies, and respond to shifts in patient needs or technological advancements.

This adaptability is crucial for organizations that must stay relevant and effective in a dynamic healthcare landscape, where factors such as regulations, technology, and public health crises can significantly impact operations.

Conversely, other types of systems, such as closed systems, do not interact with their environment and are self-contained. Cybernetic systems focus on feedback mechanisms for control purposes, while political subsystems pertain specifically to governance and decision-making structures, which are more specialized in nature. These distinctions highlight why the open systems framework is essential for understanding how entities operate within the constantly changing healthcare environment.