Organization and system theories in interprofessional research: a scoping review

In recent years, there has been an increasing impetus to define and develop theoretical foundations for interprofessional research. Currently, the theories cited in such research have often focused on individual and group learning. By comparison, organization and systems theories (OST) enable consideration of system and organization level factors. A scoping review was conducted to explore the use of OST in interprofessional research published between 2013 and 2019. Thirty-two studies were included and 13 OST were identified. Activity theory and complexity theory were the most commonly used OST. OST are relatively well integrated into data analysis and reporting of research findings, with less consideration given to how OST can support research designs. A primary reason researchers cited for selecting OST was that such theories could best reflect the complexity of interprofessional activities. OST provide a mechanism for understanding the nuances and multifactorial issues impacting interprofessional research. OST can thus address some of the challenges of introducing and sustaining interprofessional initiatives and should be further utilized within interprofessional research.