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Systems thinking in, and for, public health

A call for a broader path

Bibliographic Data

ID22945692
AuthorsErica Gadsby (0000-0002-4151-5911, University of Stirling), Helen Wilding (0000-0003-3894-1239, Applied Systems Thinking in Practice group, The Open University , Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA , UK)
Year2024
Volume39
Issue4
Publication date2024-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daae086
PMID39136157
OpenAlexW4401545687
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited45

Systems thinking has been recognized as valuable to public health policy, research and practice. Commentators and reviews have highlighted that there is still much to be done to embrace its potential. Here, we highlight that much of the discourse about systems thinking in, and for, public health supports the pursuit of a narrow path and is limited with respect to the lineages of Systems that are embraced. We invite readers to see the potential of systems thinking in pursuing a broader path which is motivated by a concern for alleviating health inequalities. This does not replace the narrow path but encompasses it. It prompts different considerations with respect to the nature of the transformation, partnership working and legitimacy. It also invites a different way of engaging with systems thinking and different ways of conceptualizing and managing change. The broad path both requires, and helps enhance, new ways of doing, relating, organizing, knowing and framing which are vital for the future of public health as a global concern.

Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Framing (construction) · General partnership · Legitimacy · Political science · Public health · Public relations · Sociology · Systems thinking · Computer Science · Engineering · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · Health Policy Implementation Science · Law · Medicine · Public Health Policies and Education

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    Open Access•Annemarie Wagemakers, Samantha Elkhuizen et al.•Evaluation and Program Planning•2025

  • Addressing the social determinants of youth mental health in Newham and Northern Devon

    Open Access•Ediane Santana de Lima, Nirandeep Rehill et al.•BMC Public Health•2026

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    Open Access•Jillian O’Mara, Loes Crielaard et al.•Health Promotion International•2026

  • Understanding the mechanisms of climate change impact on tuberculosis

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  • Resources, relationships, and systems thinking should inform the way community health promotion is funded

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Unique citing works10
Citations per year10
Citation span2025 - 2026 (2)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 9
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