Complex systems approaches to intervention science are increasingly advocated. However, despite a growing abundance of conceptual publications, there have to date been few attempts to consider in practical terms what a complex systems lens means for intervention researchers. This talk discusses the influence of complex systems thinking within historical and ongoing guidance development for intervention researchers. It will argue that whole systems evaluations may be neither attainable, nor necessary and that acknowledgment of complexity does not mean that real-world evaluations must investigate all facets of complexity. However, a systems lens may add value to intervention science through framing issues such as how fidelity is conceived, aspects of context which matter for intervention effects to transfer across contexts, and how intervention effects may build or diminish over time in real world settings. The talk will introduce new MRC-NIHR funded ADAPT guidance, which draws upon complex systems perspectives to provide guidance in thinking through and undertaking the adaptation of interventions for new contexts.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Definitions of a complex systems perspective, including i) what is meant by the terms ‘complex intervention’, ii) a ‘complex system” iii) intervention as an ‘event within a complex system’
2. The influence of complex systems perspectives in guidance development for health intervention research;
3. Practical implications of complexity for development, evaluation and implementation of interventions, with an emphasis on adaptation of interventions across contexts

Pragmatic trials often aim to take advantage of technology for outreach and implementation, with the goals of broadening outreach and reducing burden on participants. One benefit of such approaches is the reduction in barriers presented by in-person consent processes. Different methods of outreach and consent, however, result in different subpopulations of participants who enroll; both of these features can influence the estimates of treatment effectiveness that may result. We will discuss examples of how these approaches influence outcomes and analytic results, as well as ethical concerns.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will gain an understanding of the kinds of electronic platforms available to facilitate pragmatic trials, and will explore the effect of different outreach and consent approaches on participation.

1. Identify audiences and potential uses of social media in pragmatic research
2. Identify approaches to mining data from social media and the web for research
3. Describe quantitative and qualitative analysis methods appropriate for social media data