Hong, Quan Nha;
Bangpan, Mukdarut;
Stansfield, Claire;
Kneale, Dylan;
O'Mara-Eves, Alison;
van Grootel, Leonie;
Thomas, James;
(2022)
Using systems perspectives in evidence synthesis: A methodological mapping review.
Research Synthesis Methods
10.1002/jrsm.1595.
(In press).
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reviewing complex interventions is challenging because they include many elements that can interact dynamically in a non-linear manner. A systems perspective offers a way of thinking to help understand complex issues, but its application in evidence synthesis is not established. The aim of this project was to understand how and why systems perspectives have been applied in evidence synthesis. METHODS: A methodological mapping review was conducted to identify papers using a systems perspective in evidence synthesis. A search was conducted in seven bibliographic databases and three search engines. RESULTS: A total of 101 papers (representing 98 reviews) met the eligibility criteria. Two categories of reviews were identified: 1) reviews using a 'systems lens' to frame the topic, generate hypotheses, select studies, and guide the analysis and interpretation of findings (n=76) and 2) reviews using systems methods to develop a systems model (n=22). Several methods (e.g., systems dynamic modeling, soft systems approach) were identified and they were used to identify, rank, and select elements, analyze interactions, develop models, and forecast needs. The main reasons for using a systems perspective were to address complexity, view the problem as a whole, and understand the interrelationships between the elements. Several challenges for capturing the true nature and complexity of a problem were raised when performing these methods. CONCLUSION: This review is a useful starting point when designing evidence synthesis of complex interventions. It identifies different opportunities for applying a systems perspective in evidence synthesis, and highlights both commonplace and less familiar methods.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Using systems perspectives in evidence synthesis: A methodological mapping review |
| Location: | England |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1002/jrsm.1595 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1002/jrsm.1595 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Keywords: | Complex systems, complex adaptive systems, evidence synthesis, systematic reviews, systems perspective, systems thinking |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Social Research Institute UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education UCL |
| URI: | https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10153567 |
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