EPPI-Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.
Rathenau Instituut, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Res Synth Methods. 2022 Nov;13(6):667-680. doi: 10.1002/jrsm.1595. Epub 2022 Aug 18.
Reviewing complex interventions is challenging because they include many elements that can interact dynamically in a nonlinear 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. 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. 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. 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.
审查复杂干预措施具有挑战性，因为它们包含许多可以以非线性方式动态交互的元素。系统观点提供了一种思考方式，可以帮助理解复杂问题，但它在证据综合中的应用尚未确定。本项目的目的是了解系统观点如何以及为何在证据综合中得到应用。进行了方法学映射审查，以确定在证据综合中使用系统观点的论文。在七个书目数据库和三个搜索引擎中进行了搜索。共有 101 篇论文（代表 98 篇综述）符合入选标准。确定了两类综述：(1) 使用“系统视角”来构建主题、生成假设、选择研究以及指导分析和解释结果的综述（n=76）；(2) 使用系统方法开发系统模型的综述（n=22）。确定了几种方法（例如，系统动态建模、软系统方法），并使用这些方法来识别、排序和选择要素、分析相互作用、开发模型和预测需求。使用系统观点的主要原因是为了应对复杂性、将问题视为一个整体以及理解要素之间的相互关系。在执行这些方法时，提出了一些捕获问题真实性质和复杂性的挑战。当设计复杂干预措施的证据综合时，本综述是一个有用的起点。它确定了在证据综合中应用系统观点的不同机会，并突出了常见和不太熟悉的方法。
