Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

The Role of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence in Complex Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Navigation
Published on: January 31, 2025
Navigating complexity: A scoping review of complex adaptive systems theory in nursing research
Jinlong Liu1, Wanchen Qu2, Qinqin Liu1
1School of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatric Long-term Care (Naval Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory is well-suited to address the dynamic, nonlinear nature of nursing. However, its application across the nursing research landscape lacks synthesis.
Purpose:
To map the application of CAS theory in nursing research.
Methods:
A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP) were systematically searched in June 2025 for English and Chinese publications.
Discussion:
CAS theory provides a practical framework for understanding complexity in nursing. Analysis of 27 studies identified five application domains: nursing management and leadership, clinical practice and patient safety, interprofessional collaboration, education and competency development, and research methodology innovation. The field is evolving from theoretical discussion to empirical application, yet a significant gap remains in using computational simulations.
Conclusion:
This review synthesizes the applied value of CAS theory while revealing key methodological gaps. Future work requires interdisciplinary collaboration to develop dynamic models and translate complexity principles into actionable strategies for leadership, policy, and education to foster more resilient healthcare systems.
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Protein Complex Assembly
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts
The SCF ubiquitin ligase is a protein complex of five individual proteins. This complex attaches ubiquitin to other target proteins to mark them for degradation. In order...
Complex Numbers
Formation of Complex Ions

