Embedded Researchers as Part of a Whole Systems Approach to Physical Activity: Reflections and Recommendations
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Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS6 3QT, UK
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The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston National Health Service Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 3NU, UK
3
Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
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College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
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Physical Activity and Wellbeing Public Health Research Group, Sports and Physical Activity Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editors: Leandro Garcia, Ruth Hunter and Jason Thompson
Systems 2022, 10(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10030069
Received: 25 February 2022
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Revised: 6 May 2022
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Accepted: 20 May 2022
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Published: 24 May 2022
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Practice in Public Health)
Whole systems approaches are increasingly being advocated as a way of responding to complex public health priorities such as obesity and physical inactivity. Due to the complex and adaptive nature of such systems, researchers are increasingly being embedded within host organisations (i.e., those which facilitate the whole systems approach) to work with key stakeholders to illuminate and understand mechanisms of change and develop a culture of continuous improvement. While previous literature has reported on the benefits and challenges of embedded researchers in health care, little is known about the experiences and learnings of those situated within these complex whole systems approaches. In this paper, we present our reflections of being embedded researchers within four distinct whole systems approaches and outline recommendations and considerations for commissioners working with or seeking support from an embedded researcher.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Potts, A.J.; Nobles, J.; Shearn, K.; Danks, K.; Frith, G. Embedded Researchers as Part of a Whole Systems Approach to Physical Activity: Reflections and Recommendations. Systems 2022, 10, 69. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10030069
AMA Style
Potts AJ, Nobles J, Shearn K, Danks K, Frith G. Embedded Researchers as Part of a Whole Systems Approach to Physical Activity: Reflections and Recommendations. Systems. 2022; 10(3):69. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10030069
Chicago/Turabian StylePotts, Alexandra J., James Nobles, Katie Shearn, Kara Danks, and Gabriella Frith. 2022. "Embedded Researchers as Part of a Whole Systems Approach to Physical Activity: Reflections and Recommendations" Systems 10, no. 3: 69. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10030069
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