Table 1

Results of literature searches

CategoriesNumberReferencesDescription
Reviews, calls for action60Includes reviews of systems broadly, or specific methodologies, how they might apply to particular areas of public health, or broadly argues for uptake in public health
Analytical lens923–31These articles use systems, to varying degrees, as a lens to which they bring to their analysis of data
Best practice/benchmarking1723, 32–47These articles use elements of systems science to benchmark or evaluate public health practice
Modelling365, 16, 35–37, 48–78These articles undertake advanced systems modelling of different types (from causal loop diagrams, to agent-based and dynamic models), to provide insight into problems and how to address them