scholarly journals From complex social interventions to interventions in complex social systems: Future directions and unresolved questions for intervention development and evaluation

Evaluation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham F. Moore ◽  
Rhiannon E. Evans ◽  
Jemma Hawkins ◽  
Hannah Littlecott ◽  
G.J. Melendez-Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Systems Perspective ◽  
Relevant Evidence ◽  
Intervention Science ◽  
Whole Systems

Complex systems approaches to social intervention research are increasingly advocated. However, there have been few attempts to consider how models of intervention science, such as the UK’s Medical Research Council complex interventions framework, might be reframed through a complex systems lens. This article identifies some key areas in which this framework might be reconceptualized, and a number of priority areas where further development is needed if alignment with a systems perspective is to be achieved. We argue that a complex systems perspective broadens the parameters of ‘relevant’ evidence and theory for intervention development, before discussing challenges in defining feasibility in dynamic terms. We argue that whole systems evaluations may be neither attainable, nor necessary; acknowledgment of complexity does not mean that evaluations must be complex, or investigate all facets of complexity. However, a systems lens may add value to evaluation design through guiding identification of key uncertainties, and informing decisions such as timings of follow-up assessments.

Systems fragility: The sociology of chaos

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori R. Hodges, MA
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Sociotechnical Systems ◽  
Systems Perspective ◽  
Complex Adaptive

This article examines the concept of community fragility in emergency management from a systems perspective. Using literature that addresses fragility in four areas of complex systems, including ecosystems, social systems, sociotechnical systems, and complex adaptive systems, a theoretical framework focused on the emergency management field is created. These findings illustrate how community fragility factors can be used in the emergency management field to not only improve overall outcomes after disaster but also build less fragile systems and communities in preparation for future disasters.

A Group Awaiting Death: The Social Systems Perspective on a Naturally Occurring Group Situation

1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Starker ◽  
Joan E. Starker
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Task Structure ◽  
Systems Perspective ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
The Social ◽  
Group Situation ◽  
Imminent Death

The decline and imminent death of an individual in a hospital's intensive care unit led to the creation of a transient group composed of family and friends. The dynamics of this tragic group are explored using the concepts provided by Social Systems theory. Ambiguity of the task structure and its inherent frustrations, fluidity of leadership and power, and failure of a utopian defense are all discussed as contributors to subsequent dissension and splitting. The social systems perspective provides a useful tool for understanding this naturally occurring group situation.

scholarly journals A complex systems perspective on computer-supported collaborative design technology

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 27-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Klein ◽  
Hiroki Sayama ◽  
Peyman Faratin ◽  
Yaneer Bar-Yam
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Collaborative Design ◽  
Design Technology ◽  
Systems Perspective

scholarly journals The use of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to address causality in complex systems: a systematic review of research on public health interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Hanckel ◽  
Mark Petticrew ◽  
James Thomas ◽  
Judith Green
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Minimum Criteria

Abstract Background Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a method for identifying the configurations of conditions that lead to specific outcomes. Given its potential for providing evidence of causality in complex systems, QCA is increasingly used in evaluative research to examine the uptake or impacts of public health interventions. We map this emerging field, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of QCA approaches identified in published studies, and identify implications for future research and reporting. Methods PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English up to December 2019 that had used QCA methods to identify the conditions associated with the uptake and/or effectiveness of interventions for public health. Data relating to the interventions studied (settings/level of intervention/populations), methods (type of QCA, case level, source of data, other methods used) and reported strengths and weaknesses of QCA were extracted and synthesised narratively. Results The search identified 1384 papers, of which 27 (describing 26 studies) met the inclusion criteria. Interventions evaluated ranged across: nutrition/obesity (n = 8); physical activity (n = 4); health inequalities (n = 3); mental health (n = 2); community engagement (n = 3); chronic condition management (n = 3); vaccine adoption or implementation (n = 2); programme implementation (n = 3); breastfeeding (n = 2), and general population health (n = 1). The majority of studies (n = 24) were of interventions solely or predominantly in high income countries. Key strengths reported were that QCA provides a method for addressing causal complexity; and that it provides a systematic approach for understanding the mechanisms at work in implementation across contexts. Weaknesses reported related to data availability limitations, especially on ineffective interventions. The majority of papers demonstrated good knowledge of cases, and justification of case selection, but other criteria of methodological quality were less comprehensively met. Conclusion QCA is a promising approach for addressing the role of context in complex interventions, and for identifying causal configurations of conditions that predict implementation and/or outcomes when there is sufficiently detailed understanding of a series of comparable cases. As the use of QCA in evaluative health research increases, there may be a need to develop advice for public health researchers and journals on minimum criteria for quality and reporting.

536 QUALITY OF LIFE AND FOLLOW-UP AFTER ESOPHAGEAL AND GASTRIC CANCER SURGERY. PROTOCOL FOR DEVELOPING AND TESTING A NEW FOLLOW-UP MODEL

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Hovdenak Jakobsen ◽  
D Kjaer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Patient Involvement ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
National Implementation ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract   Esophageal and gastric cancers are aggressive diseases. Due to extensive treatment, many patients experience adverse effects such as dysphagia, dumping, pain, fatigue, fear of recurrence and depression—all negatively impacting quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study is to develop and test a follow-up model for patients after surgery for esophageal and gastric cancer. The model targets handling of adverse effects and psychosocial distress, aiming at improving patients’ QoL and functional level. Methods Development of the model follows recognized principles for complex interventions by the Medical Research Counsil. Extensive patient involvement is included in the development process, by means of a national patient advisory board. The assumed effect of the new model will be tested in a national two-part prospective study, executed before and after national implementation of the model, in both parts including approximately200 patients. Participants will be recruited prior to surgery, and follow-up is one year. Patient-reported data will be collected pre-operatively, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively, along with clinical and sociodemographic data. Results Development of the follow-up model after surgery will be completed in august 2020 and inclusion of patients for the prospective study part one, before implementation of the model, will commence summer 2020. Conclusion The perspectives of this study may be crucial for future follow-up of esophageal and gastric cancer patients. First, the extensive patient involvement in developing the model will ensure a patient-centred approach to follow-up. And second, the follow-up studies will provide important and up-to-date knowledge about clinical and patient-reported outcomes in a population-based, national cohort.

Multigenerational Patterns and Internal Structures in Families in which Grandparents Raise Grandchildren

1998 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 477-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Goldberg-Glen ◽  
Roberta G. Sands ◽  
Ralph D. Cole ◽  
Carolyn Cristofalo
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Structures ◽  
Systems Perspective ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
One Year ◽  
Interactional Processes

‘Skipped generation’ families, consisting of grandparents and grandchildren with parents absent from the home, are frequently served in social work agencies. These families have unique multigenerational patterns and family structures that are important for service providers to recognize. This paper uses a multigenerational systems perspective to highlight the diversity among grandparent-headed households. Twenty families who were previously part of a larger study of stress, well-being, and life satisfaction among caregiving grandparents constituted a follow-up case study involving videotaped family interviews one year after the first study. Three families representing the range of diversity among the twenty are described with accompanying genograms. Differences in structure, interactional processes, and links with prior generations are identified in each case. These examples reveal the strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as the diversity, of grandparent-headed families.

scholarly journals Stability of democracies: a complex systems perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 014002 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Wiesner ◽  
A Birdi ◽  
T Eliassi-Rad ◽  
H Farrell ◽  
D Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Perspective

WHITE NOISE ANALYSIS: SOME APPLICATIONS IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS, BIOPHYSICS AND QUANTUM MECHANICS

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (29) ◽  
pp. 1230014 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHRISTOPHER C. BERNIDO ◽  
M. VICTORIA CARPIO-BERNIDO
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Probability Density Function ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
White Noise ◽  
Noise Analysis ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
White Noise Analysis ◽  
The Past ◽  
White Noise Calculus ◽  
With Memory

The white noise calculus originated by T. Hida is presented as a powerful tool in investigating physical and social systems. Combined with Feynman's sum-over-all histories approach, we parameterize paths with memory of the past, and evaluate the corresponding probability density function. We discuss applications of this approach to problems in complex systems and biophysics. Examples in quantum mechanics with boundaries are also given where Markovian paths are considered.

scholarly journals The Ophthalmological Manifestations of Various Inborn Errors of Metabolism: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144
Author(s):  
Abdolreza Medghalchi ◽  
◽  
Afagh Hassanzadeh Rad ◽  
Setila Dalili ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inborn Errors Of Metabolism ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Inborn Errors ◽  
Relevant Evidence ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Inherited Metabolic Disorders

Context: Inborn errors of metabolism or Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMD) are a class of genetic disorders that occur because of single-gene defects. Evidence Acquisition: In this narrative review article, the authors searched Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar for the relevant evidence. Results: The ocular manifestations of IMDs can be distinguished in different diseases such as Albinism, Cystinosis, Homocystinuria, and Sulfite oxidize deficiency, Mannosidosis, Fucosidosis, Sialidosis, etc. Conclusions: Due to the direct toxic mechanisms of abnormal metabolites on eyes and regarding the effect of eye monitoring on the follow-up, management, and treatment, a detailed ophthalmological assessment is essential.

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