Use of the complexity paradigm in the field of health: scope review

ABSTRACT

Objective

To analyze the knowledge about the use of the complexity paradigm in health research.

Methods

Scope review with articles published in the last 10 years in English, Spanish, or Portuguese using the Edgar Morin paradigm of complexity.

Results

Returned 302 publications, of which 54 remained after the selection stages. Most of the studies were conducted in Brazil; with publications in 2017; with professional production only; empirical articles, and all qualitative. In 47.05% of the articles did not perform the triangulation of data collection techniques; referring to 20 works by the author and 83.33% used the complexity paradigm as a theoretical framework.

Conclusion

There is a light use of the complexity paradigm in health research and a need for conceptual appropriation in its use as a theoretical framework in research.

Keywords:
Health; Research; Knowledge; Postmodernism; Philosophy