Using systems approaches to tackle complexity in prevention
Few studies look at how to implement systems thinking in public health research. We examined how systems approaches are used in prevention research to address complexity, and how creating change needs to combine systems (systemic) and systematic approaches.
Findings Brief 
Key messages
- Prevention Centre investigators and partners have been at the forefront of championing systems thinking to help respond to the complexities of chronic disease prevention.
- This project aimed to build the evidence base for systems approaches in chronic disease prevention, and to explore how those working in prevention can use systems approaches to bring about change.
- Using Prevention Centre projects as case studies, this study identified key factors that support the use of systems approaches, and how, when, and in what combination, these approaches are used.
- Addressing complexity in prevention research relies on striking a balance between systemic and systematic paradigms.
- For a whole system to be working towards change, there needs to be shared understanding and common goals.
Associated content
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Addressing complexity in prevention research: The dynamic duality of systemic and systematic approaches
Resource category:
Videos
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From understanding to action: Developing a prevention systems change framework
Resource category:
Videos
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Complexity and the Prevention Systems Change Framework
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Videos
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A prevention systems change framework
Resource category:
Reports
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Systems approaches in prevention research: Striking a balance between systemic and systematic
News Category: Prevention Centre NewsDate
Reports 