Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping review
Background Complexity theory has been chosen by many authors as a suitable lens through which to examine health and social care. Despite its potential value, many empirical investigations apply the theory in a tokenistic manner without engaging with its underlying concepts and underpinnings.Objectiv...
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| Format: | Article |
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BMJ Publishing Group
2023-03-01
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| Series: | BMJ Open |
| Online Access: | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/3/e069180.full |
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| _version_ | 1832569944953323520 |
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| author | Áine Carroll Claire Collins Andrew Darley Diarmuid Stokes Jane McKenzie |
| author_facet | Áine Carroll Claire Collins Andrew Darley Diarmuid Stokes Jane McKenzie |
| author_sort | Áine Carroll |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background Complexity theory has been chosen by many authors as a suitable lens through which to examine health and social care. Despite its potential value, many empirical investigations apply the theory in a tokenistic manner without engaging with its underlying concepts and underpinnings.Objectives The aim of this scoping review is to synthesise the literature on empirical studies that have centred on the application of complexity theory to understand health and social care provision.Methods This scoping review considered primary research using complexity theory-informed approaches, published in English between 2012 and 2021. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, PSYCHINFO, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database, and the Health Economic Evaluations Database were searched. In addition, a manual search of the reference lists of relevant articles was conducted. Data extraction was conducted using Covidence software and a data extraction form was created to produce a descriptive summary of the results, addressing the objectives and research question. The review used the revised Arksey and O’Malley framework and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).Results 2021 studies were initially identified with a total of 61 articles included for extraction. Complexity theory in health and social care research is poorly defined and described and was most commonly applied as a theoretical and analytical framework. The full breadth of the health and social care continuum was not represented in the identified articles, with the majority being healthcare focused.Discussion Complexity theory is being increasingly embraced in health and care research. The heterogeneity of the literature regarding the application of complexity theory made synthesis challenging. However, this scoping review has synthesised the most recent evidence and contributes to translational systems research by providing guidance for future studies.Conclusion The study of complex health and care systems necessitates methods of interpreting dynamic prcesses which requires qualitative and longitudinal studies with abductive reasoning. The authors provide guidance on conducting complexity-informed primary research that seeks to promote rigor and transparency in the area.Registration The scoping review protocol was registered at Open Science Framework, and the review protocol was published at BMJ Open (https://bit.ly/3Ex1Inu). |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9c8f75fb989648cf8e0814e4177a28ca |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2044-6055 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
| publisher | BMJ Publishing Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMJ Open |
| spelling | doaj-art-9c8f75fb989648cf8e0814e4177a28ca2025-02-02T18:30:10ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Open2044-60552023-03-0113310.1136/bmjopen-2022-069180Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping reviewÁine Carroll0Claire Collins1Andrew Darley2Diarmuid Stokes3Jane McKenzie4School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, IrelandIrish College of General Practitioners, Dublin, IrelandSchool of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, IrelandCollege of Health Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, IrelandHenley Business School, University of Reading, Reading, UKBackground Complexity theory has been chosen by many authors as a suitable lens through which to examine health and social care. Despite its potential value, many empirical investigations apply the theory in a tokenistic manner without engaging with its underlying concepts and underpinnings.Objectives The aim of this scoping review is to synthesise the literature on empirical studies that have centred on the application of complexity theory to understand health and social care provision.Methods This scoping review considered primary research using complexity theory-informed approaches, published in English between 2012 and 2021. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, PSYCHINFO, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database, and the Health Economic Evaluations Database were searched. In addition, a manual search of the reference lists of relevant articles was conducted. Data extraction was conducted using Covidence software and a data extraction form was created to produce a descriptive summary of the results, addressing the objectives and research question. The review used the revised Arksey and O’Malley framework and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).Results 2021 studies were initially identified with a total of 61 articles included for extraction. Complexity theory in health and social care research is poorly defined and described and was most commonly applied as a theoretical and analytical framework. The full breadth of the health and social care continuum was not represented in the identified articles, with the majority being healthcare focused.Discussion Complexity theory is being increasingly embraced in health and care research. The heterogeneity of the literature regarding the application of complexity theory made synthesis challenging. However, this scoping review has synthesised the most recent evidence and contributes to translational systems research by providing guidance for future studies.Conclusion The study of complex health and care systems necessitates methods of interpreting dynamic prcesses which requires qualitative and longitudinal studies with abductive reasoning. The authors provide guidance on conducting complexity-informed primary research that seeks to promote rigor and transparency in the area.Registration The scoping review protocol was registered at Open Science Framework, and the review protocol was published at BMJ Open (https://bit.ly/3Ex1Inu).https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/3/e069180.full |
| spellingShingle | Áine Carroll Claire Collins Andrew Darley Diarmuid Stokes Jane McKenzie Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping review BMJ Open |
| title | Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping review |
| title_full | Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping review |
| title_fullStr | Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping review |
| title_short | Application of complexity theory in health and social care research: a scoping review |
| title_sort | application of complexity theory in health and social care research a scoping review |
| url | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/3/e069180.full |
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