Embedding research in health systems: lessons from complexity theory

Embedding research in health systems: lessons from complexity theory

BACKGROUND Internationally, there has been increasing focus on creating health research systems. This article aims to investigate the challenges of implementing apparently simple strategies to support the development of a health research system. We focus on a case study of an English National Health Service Hospital Trust that sought to implement the national recommendation that health organisa...

Nurturing Breakthroughs: Lessons from Complexity Theory

A general theory of innovation and progress in human society is outlined, based on the combat between two opposite forces (conservatism/inertia and speculative herding “bubble” behavior). We contend that human affairs are characterized by ubiquitous “bubbles”, which involve huge risks which would not otherwise be taken using standard cost/benefit analysis. Bubbles result from self-reinforcing p...

Embedding research in health policy and systems in the Americas.

Engaging stakeholders in implementation research: lessons from the Future Health Systems Research Programme experience

Implementation research and the engagement of stakeholders in such research have become increasingly prominent in finding ways to design, conduct, expand and sustain effective and equitable health policies, programmes and related interventions [1]. How to bring together key sets of health systems stakeholders, including affected communities, health workers, health system managers, health policy...

Scoping review of complexity theory in health services research.

BACKGROUND There are calls for better application of theory in health services research. Research exploring knowledge translation and interprofessional collaboration are two examples, and in both areas, complexity theory has been identified as potentially useful. However, how best to conceptualize and operationalize complexity theory in health services research is uncertain. The purpose of this...