Systems thinking is way to make sense of a complex system that gives attention to exploring the relationships, boundaries and perspectives in a system. Systems approaches are the specific tools and methods that can be used to better understand the system and the complex problems within it. By combining systems thinking and approaches this enables professionals to see the big picture and give consideration to how changing one part of the system may influence other parts.

System thinking is particularly in public health when looking at:

• Long-term issues such as tackling obesity or increasing physical activity in a population
• There are multiple stakeholders (populations and organisations) and multiple causes that influence and interact with each other
• There are differencing or conflicting perspectives on an issue such as the use of electronic cigarettes
• There is no single explanation for what is causing the issue and no single solution that will fit all situations – for example reducing health inequalities.Systems series: Why use a systems approach?

(Adapted from The Australian Partnership Prevention Centre, 2021)