Systems thinking in, and for, public health

A call for a broader path

Datos Bibliográficos

ID22945692
AutoresErica 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)
Año2024
Volumen39
Número4
Fecha de publicación2024-08-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
EditorialOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daae086
PMID39136157
OpenAlexW4401545687
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas10
Referencias citadas45

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