Mechanisms, contexts and points of contention: operationalizing realist-informed research for complex health interventions
BMC Medical Research MethodologyPublished 1 December 2018Open access
James Shaw, Carolyn Steele Gray, G. Ross Baker, Jean‐Louis Denis, Mylaine Breton, Jennifer Gutberg
Citations100
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.67
SNIP1.73
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TL;DR
This paper summarizes definitions of mechanism found in realist methodological literature, reports an empirical example of a realist analysis of the implementation of models of integrated community-based primary health care in three international jurisdictions, and outlines the implications of the analysis for realist research and realist evaluation.
Abstract
We conclude our paper with reflections on human agency and outline the implications of our analysis for realist research and realist evaluation.
Keywords
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