A complex adaptive system in healthcare is likely to...

A complex adaptive system in healthcare is characterized by its ability to adapt and change according to new information and evolving circumstances. This flexibility is crucial in a healthcare context, where rapid advancements in technology, shifts in patient needs, and varying environmental factors require continuous adaptation.

As healthcare organizations and professionals encounter new data regarding patient outcomes, treatment efficacy, or public health trends, they can modify their practices, processes, and overall strategies. This adaptability allows for the incorporation of innovations and evidence-based practices, ultimately leading to improved healthcare delivery and patient care.

In contrast, the other options present characteristics that do not align with the nature of complex adaptive systems. For example, being heavily controlled and predictable would undermine the system's ability to respond dynamically to change, while functioning independently without collaboration goes against the interdependent nature often seen in healthcare systems, where multidisciplinary teamwork is vital. Focusing solely on profitability also diminishes the holistic approach necessary for quality patient care and improved health outcomes, as it overlooks the importance of patient-centered practices.