Learning from the CO-CREATE project: A protocol for systems thinking across research (STAR)
Knai, Cécile; Savona, Natalie; Finegood, Diane; Aguiar Rodriguez, Anaely; Blanchard, Laurence; Conway-Moore, Kaitlin; Helleve, Arnfinn; Klepp, Knut Inge; Lien, Nanna; Luszczynska, Aleksandra; Vlad, Ioana; Rønnestad, Alfred Mestad; Rutter, Harry
Journal article, Peer reviewed
Published version
Åpne
Permanent lenke
https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3106628Utgivelsesdato
2023Metadata
Vis full innførselSamlinger
- Department of Geography [634]
- Registrations from Cristin [9791]
Sammendrag
The CO-CREATE project aimed to work with young people to create, inform, and disseminate obesity-preventive evidence-based policies using a complex systems perspective. This paper draws lessons from this experience and proposes a protocol for embedding systems thinking within a research project. We first draw on existing systems thinking frameworks to analyze how systems thinking was translated across CO-CREATE, including the flow and relationship between the work packages and in the methods used. We then take the lessons from CO-CREATE and the principles of existing systems thinking frameworks—which focus on various points of intervention planning and delivery but not on research projects as a whole—to formulate a protocol for embedding systems thinking across a research project. Key lessons for future planning and delivery of systems-oriented research projects include incorporating “boundary critique” by capturing key stakeholder (adolescent) values and concerns; working to avoid social exclusion; ensuring methodological pluralism to allow for reflection and responsiveness (with methods ranging from group model building, Photovoice, and small group engagement); getting policy recipients to shape key questions by understanding their views on the critical drivers of obesity early on in the project; and providing opportunity for intraproject reflection along the way.