M J H van Bon-Martens1, L A M van de Goor2, J C Holsappel3, T J M Kuunders4, M A M Jacobs-van der Bruggen4, J H M te Brake5, J A M van Oers6. 1. Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Tilburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands; Regional Health Service (GGD) Hart voor Brabant, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; Trimbos Institute, the Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: m.j.h.vanbon@uvt.nl. 2. Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Tilburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands. 3. Regional Health Service (GGD) Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Impact, National Knowledge and Advice Centre for Psychosocial Care Concerning Critical Incidents, Diemen, The Netherlands; Centre for Public Health Status and Forecasting (cVTV), Bilthoven, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), The Netherlands. 4. Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Tilburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands; Regional Health Service (GGD) Hart voor Brabant, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. 5. Impact, National Knowledge and Advice Centre for Psychosocial Care Concerning Critical Incidents, Diemen, The Netherlands. 6. Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Tilburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands; Centre for Public Health Status and Forecasting (cVTV), Bilthoven, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), The Netherlands.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Concept mapping is a method for developing a conceptual framework of a complex topic for use as a guide to evaluation or planning. In concept mapping, thoughts and ideas are represented in the form of a picture or map, the content of which is determined by a group of stakeholders. This study aimed to explore the suitability of this method as a tool to integrate practical knowledge with scientific knowledge in order to improve theory development as a sound basis for practical decision-making. METHOD: Following a short introduction to the method of concept mapping, five Dutch studies, serving different purposes and fields in public health, will be described. The aim of these studies was: to construct a theoretical framework for good regional public health reporting; to design an implementation strategy for a guideline for integral local health policy; to guide the evaluation of a local integral approach of overweight and obesity in youth; to guide the construction of a questionnaire to measure the quality of postdisaster psychosocial care; and to conceptualize an integral base for formulation of ambitions and targets for the new youth healthcare programme of a regional health service. RESULTS: The studies showed that concept mapping is a way to integrate practical and scientific knowledge with careful selection of participants that represent the different perspectives. Theory development can be improved through concept mapping; not by formulating new theories, but by highlighting the key issues and defining perceived relationships between topics. In four of the five studies, the resulting concept map was received as a sound basis for practical decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Concept mapping is a valuable method for evidence-based public health policy, and a powerful instrument for facilitating dialogue, coherence and collaboration between researchers, practitioners, policy makers and the public. Development of public health theory was realized by a step-by-step approach, considering both scientific and practical knowledge. However, the external validity of the concept maps in place and time is of importance.
OBJECTIVE: Concept mapping is a method for developing a conceptual framework of a complex topic for use as a guide to evaluation or planning. In concept mapping, thoughts and ideas are represented in the form of a picture or map, the content of which is determined by a group of stakeholders. This study aimed to explore the suitability of this method as a tool to integrate practical knowledge with scientific knowledge in order to improve theory development as a sound basis for practical decision-making. METHOD: Following a short introduction to the method of concept mapping, five Dutch studies, serving different purposes and fields in public health, will be described. The aim of these studies was: to construct a theoretical framework for good regional public health reporting; to design an implementation strategy for a guideline for integral local health policy; to guide the evaluation of a local integral approach of overweight and obesity in youth; to guide the construction of a questionnaire to measure the quality of postdisaster psychosocial care; and to conceptualize an integral base for formulation of ambitions and targets for the new youth healthcare programme of a regional health service. RESULTS: The studies showed that concept mapping is a way to integrate practical and scientific knowledge with careful selection of participants that represent the different perspectives. Theory development can be improved through concept mapping; not by formulating new theories, but by highlighting the key issues and defining perceived relationships between topics. In four of the five studies, the resulting concept map was received as a sound basis for practical decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Concept mapping is a valuable method for evidence-based public health policy, and a powerful instrument for facilitating dialogue, coherence and collaboration between researchers, practitioners, policy makers and the public. Development of public health theory was realized by a step-by-step approach, considering both scientific and practical knowledge. However, the external validity of the concept maps in place and time is of importance.
Authors: Maike G Sweegers; Laurien M Buffart; Wouke M van Veldhuizen; Edwin Geleijn; Henk M W Verheul; Johannes Brug; Mai J M Chinapaw; Teatske M Altenburg Journal: Oncologist Date: 2018-11-13
Authors: Annemarie Wagemakers; Lisanne S Mulderij; Kirsten T Verkooijen; Stef Groenewoud; Maria A Koelen Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2018-06-28 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Theo J M Kuunders; Marja J H van Bon-Martens; Ien A M van de Goor; Theo G W M Paulussen; Hans A M van Oers Journal: Health Promot Int Date: 2018-08-01 Impact factor: 2.483
Authors: Katie L Hackett; Rebecca L Lambson; Victoria Strassheim; Zoe Gotts; Vincent Deary; Julia L Newton Journal: Health Expect Date: 2015-09-01 Impact factor: 3.377