Complex consultations and the 'edge of chaos'
- PMID: 15667766
- PMCID: PMC1266243
Complex consultations and the 'edge of chaos'
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.
Figures
Comment in
-
Chaotic consultations.Br J Gen Pract. 2005 Mar;55(512):232. Br J Gen Pract. 2005. PMID: 15808044 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
References
-
- Balint M. The doctor, his patient and the illness. 2nd ed. London: Pitman; 1964.
-
- Fry J. Profiles of disease. A study in the natural history of common diseases. Edinburgh and London: E&S Livingstone; 1966.
-
- McWhinney IR. A textbook of family medicine. New York: Oxford University Press; 1989.
-
- Mechanic D. The concept of illness behaviour. J Chronic Dis. 1962;15:189–194. - PubMed
Publication types
MeSH terms
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical