From: Whole systems approaches to obesity and other complex public health challenges: a systematic review
Identifying a system. | Explicit recognition of the public health system with the interacting, self-regulating and evolving elements of a complex adaptive system. Recognition given that a wide range of bodies with no overt interest or objectives referring to public health may have a role in the system and therefore that the boundaries of the system may be broad. |
Capacity building | An explicit goal to support communities and organisations within the system. |
Creativity and innovation | Mechanisms to support and encourage local creativity and/ or innovation to address public health and social problems. |
Relationships | Methods of working and specific activities to develop and maintain effective relationships within and between organisations. |
Engagement | Clear methods to enhance the ability of people, organisations and sectors to engage community members in programme development and delivery. |
Communication | Mechanisms to support communication between actors and organisations within the system. |
Embedded action and policies | Practices explicitly set out for public health and social improvement within organisations within the system. |
Robust and sustainable | Clear strategies to resource existing and new projects and staff. |
Facilitative leadership | Strong strategic support and appropriate resourcing developed at all levels. |
Monitoring and evaluation | Well-articulated methods to provide ongoing feedback into the system, to drive change to enhance effectiveness and acceptability. |