Understanding Resiliency: The Swiss Cheese Model

WHAT IS Resiliency? Resiliency is about bouncing back from challenges and adapting to adversity. Losing our footing or even falling is sometimes beyond our control. However, how we respond is another matter altogether. THE SWISS CHEESE MODEL Resiliency can be explained using James Reason’s “Swiss Cheese” model. This model is often used in risk analysis and management, and it can help to explain why it is easier for some to rebound from adversity than it is for others. It can also explain where we have influence in our own resiliency. WHAT ARE THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO RESILIENCY? According to the “Swiss Cheese” model, there are layers of defense against bad outcomes. Each layer, like a slice of Swiss cheese, has weaknesses or “holes” that allow hazards to pass through and allow for a negative outcome. How the layers, or slices of Swiss cheese are lined up, determines how likely we are to have a bad outcome. As you can imagine, the more layers of cheese, the fewer holes or weaknesses that go all the way through all layers. Visit allonehealth.com/member-support