Critical collaboration model: an enhanced model to support public health collaboration

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Systems Science
• Collaborative Governance

Background:

• Public health issues are complex ('wicked problems') with multiple causes and varying interpretations.
• Multi-sectoral collaboration is essential for developing strategic plans and collective action to address these problems.
• Critical systems thinking offers a framework for shared understanding, enhanced participation, and reflective practice in public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a systematic approach for integrating critical systems thinking into public health collaboration.
• To introduce a critical collaboration model grounded in theoretical frameworks and case study insights.
• To enhance the development of shared perspectives and reflective practices in multi-sectoral public health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Developed a critical collaboration model by synthesizing two theoretical frameworks.
• Incorporated insights from three case studies conducted in New Zealand.
• The model includes six guiding questions to surface and clarify diverse perspectives on issues, problems, and evidence.

Main Results:

• The proposed model facilitates explicit articulation of individual assumptions about others' perceptions.
• The process of answering the model's questions enhances dialogue and reflection within collaborations.
• Case study insights demonstrate the practical application of a critical systems perspective in public health.

Conclusions:

• The critical collaboration model provides a structured method for applying critical systems thinking in public health.
• This approach can strengthen the effectiveness of multi-sectoral collaborations in tackling wicked public health problems.
• The model offers practical tools for fostering deeper understanding and improving collective action in public health settings.