Finding the Right Balance: Challenges in Optimising the Promise of Complexity Research for NCD Best-Buys Implementation and Adoption; Comment on “Barriers and Opportunities for WHO ‘Best Buys’ Non-communicable Disease Policy Adoption and Implementation From a Political Economy Perspective: A Complexity Systematic Review”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors

1 Center for Commercial Determinant of Health, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru, Bengaluru, India

2 Centre for Health Systems, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru, Bengaluru, India

Abstract

There is a growing interest in complexity research. A recent systematic review by Loffreda et al attempted to study the barriers and opportunities for the adoption and implementation of the “best buys” for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from a political economy perspective. In this commentary we take forward the discussion on the NCD best-buys by comparing the findings of the article with one of the risk factors of tobacco use and its control in India. We reflect on the challenges in actualizing the promise of research methods and approaches while studying such complex interventions like the NCD best buys. The balance of studying complexity while still keeping the findings translatable at country levels. Future research could potentially use a comparative lens focusing on either industry/ government or actor behaviour across the different risk factors to facilitate cross learning, anticipate and pre-empt adverse policy decisions and implementation outcomes. 

Keywords


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Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 03 June 2025
  • Received Date: 17 February 2025
  • Revised Date: 28 May 2025
  • Accepted Date: 02 June 2025
  • First Published Date: 03 June 2025