A tool for exploring the dynamics of innovative interventions for public health: the critical event card

Ana Claudia Figueiro (), Sydia Rosana Oliveira, Zulmira Hartz, Yves Couturier, Jocelyne Bernier, Maria Freire, Isabella Samico, Maria Guadalupe Medina, Ronice Franco Sa and Louise Potvin
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Ana Claudia Figueiro: Escola Nacional de Saude Publica/Fiocruz
Sydia Rosana Oliveira: Fiocruz-PE
Zulmira Hartz: Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Yves Couturier: Institut universitaire de gériatrie
Jocelyne Bernier: University of Montreal
Maria Freire: Nucleo de Saude Publica/UFPE
Isabella Samico: Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa/IMIP
Maria Guadalupe Medina: Instituto de Saúde Coletiva/Universidade Federal da Bahia
Ronice Franco Sa: Nucleo de Saude Publica/UFPE
Louise Potvin: ESPUM, Université de Montréal

International Journal of Public Health, 2017, vol. 62, issue 2, No 2, 177-186

Abstract: Abstract Objectives Public health interventions are increasingly represented as complex systems. Research tools for capturing the dynamic of interventions processes, however, are practically non-existent. This paper describes the development and proof of concept process of an analytical tool, the critical event card (CEC), which supports the representation and analysis of complex interventions’ evolution, based on critical events. Methods Drawing on the actor-network theory (ANT), we developed and field-tested the tool using three innovative health interventions in northeastern Brazil. Interventions were aimed to promote health equity through intersectoral approaches; were engaged in participatory evaluation and linked to professional training programs. The CEC developing involve practitioners and researchers from projects. Proof of concept was based on document analysis, face-to-face interviews and focus groups. Results Analytical categories from CEC allow identifying and describing critical events as milestones in the evolution of complex interventions. Categories are (1) event description; (2) actants (human and non-human) involved; (3) interactions between actants; (4) mediations performed; (5) actions performed; (6) inscriptions produced; and (7) consequences for interventions. Conclusions The CEC provides a tool to analyze and represent intersectoral internvetions’ complex and dynamic evolution.

Keywords: Health promotion; Innovative interventions; Critical event; Actor network theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0861-5

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