Problem Tree

Apr 19

Understand

Mapping causes and consequences.

A public health team noticed a spike in diabetes cases in a low-income neighborhood. Instead of jumping to solutions, they built a problem tree, starting with the central issue: high rates of uncontrolled diabetes. They explored the underlying causes—limited access to fresh food, low health literacy, and lack of time for check-ups due to work hours. They also looked at the ripple effects, including more ER visits, missed workdays, and rising healthcare costs. Mapping it out helped them see the bigger picture before deciding what to do.

Steps

Clearly state the central problem you're tackling.
Draw a tree with roots, trunk, and branches above.
Think about underlying reasons contributing directly to your core issue.
- The main problem (the trunk): Identify the core issue you want to address.
- The causes (the roots): List the underlying factors contributing to the main problem.
- The consequences (the branches): Identify the effects or outcomes of the problem.
Document the outcomes or effects resulting from the main problem, considering immediate and long-term impacts. Use the completed tree to prioritize actions that directly address the root causes, reducing negative outcomes effectively.