Repository logo
 

AHRQ series on complex intervention systematic reviews – paper 2: defining complexity, formulating scope, and questions

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Noyes, J 
Kane, RL 
Chang, C 
Uhl, S 

Abstract

Background: The early stages of a systematic review set the scope and expectations. This can be particularly challenging for complex interventions given their multidimensional and dynamic nature.

Rationale: This paper builds on concepts introduced in paper 1 of this series. It describes the methodological, practical, and philosophical challenges and potential approaches for formulating the questions and scope of systematic reviews of complex interventions. Furthermore, it discusses the use of theory to help organize reviews of complex interventions.

Discussion: Many interventions in medicine, public health, education, social services, behavioral health, and community programs are complex, and they may not fit neatly within the established paradigm for reviews of straightforward interventions. This paper provides conceptual and operational guidance for these early stages of scope formulation to assist authors of systematic reviews of complex interventions.

Description

Keywords

complex interventions, evidence-based medicine, review literature as topic, systematic review, qualitative research, research design

Journal Title

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0895-4356
1878-5921

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier
Sponsorship
This project was funded under Contract No. HHSA290201200004C from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.