A wicked problem is a social or cultural problem that is difficult or impossible to solve for many reasons, including incomplete or contradictory knowledge; dynamically changing requirements; a large number of people and opinions involved; a large economic burden; and the interconnected nature of wicked problems with other wicked problems. Wicked problems can’t be solved. They can only be iteratively improved. The use of the term "wicked" here represents resistance to resolution, rather than evil. But there may be a little bit of evil embedded in the irrational, dysfunctional response to the problem. Sounds a lot like Covid.

The secret of dealing with wicked problems—and the reason for labeling them as such—is to recognize that these problems can’t be solved, but rather must be managed. Wicked problems can’t be ignored, manipulated, denied, or wished away. More than solutions, wicked problems require healing, a characteristic not at the top of the US population skills list. To heal is to make whole, a space we are currently far from. Full of holes, yes. Full and whole, nope. Don’t you love the wisdom of language?

Ironically, Covid does not “qualify” as a wicked problem, because this designation is reserved for problems humans invented rather than natural phenomena. While Covid is therefore not itself a wicked problem, the pandemic response to Covid is very much so. The excess burden of illness we are experiencing in the US represents problems that humans invented through denial of science and personal self-interest. All amplified by the interconnected nature of Covid with other wicked problems. And every wicked problem is a symptom of another problem.

One of the key principles for effectively managing wicked problems is that decision-makers must be fully responsible for their actions. This is happening in many state and local jurisdictions, but others seek to obfuscate and mislead. While the template for emergency response is imperfect, had the emergency preparedness science been respected and implemented the US might be in a different place right now.

Finally, Covid is distinguished from “true” wicked problems because for other such problems it is hard, maybe impossible, to measure success. Not so here. Success and failure can and will be measured by the rate of illness, hospitalization, and death from Covid-19. Particularly for the most vulnerable victims best by a myriad of wicked problems; and those we have made vulnerable by inadequate preparation (healthcare workers, police officers, bus and truck drivers, grocery and food service workers, custodians, and anyone working in at risk positions without adequate protection).

For wicked problems—for the Covid response and the problems Covid reveals in our society—we need righteous solutions, honorable, upright, and yes, unimpeachable. Such a response is being role modeled in many locations, to our enduring benefit. Thank you to political decision makers who are respecting science and acting to limit morbidity and mortality. Public Health means loving the world like your family. Good to be a Publichealther.

Scott Frank, MD, MS