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Review
. 2005 Jan;55(510):47-52.

Complex consultations and the 'edge of chaos'

Andrew D Innes  1 , Peter D Campion, Frances E Griffiths
Affiliations
Review

Complex consultations and the 'edge of chaos'

Andrew D Innes et al. Br J Gen Pract. 2005 Jan.

Abstract

Complexity theory has attracted considerable attention in recent years, both within medicine and in the wider world. Its themes of uncertainty and non-linearity resonate deeply with the experience of working in general practice. Describing the consultation as a complex, adaptive system provides a coherent theoretical basis for understanding the consultation, which has so far been lacking. Understanding the consultation as a complex, adaptive system offers insights into the consultation of that may prove to be of practical use to clinicians.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Stacey matrix: complexity and the consultation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Chaotic consultations.
    Paterson C. Paterson C. Br J Gen Pract. 2005 Mar;55(512):232. Br J Gen Pract. 2005. PMID: 15808044 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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