title: Complex consultations and the 'edge of chaos'.
abstract: Complexity theory has attracted considerable attention in recent years, both within medicine and in the wider world. Its themes of uncertainty and non-linearity resonate deeply with the experience of working in general practice. Describing the consultation as a complex, adaptive system provides a coherent theoretical basis for understanding the consultation, which has so far been lacking. Understanding the consultation as a complex, adaptive system offers insights into the consultation of that may prove to be of practical use to clinicians.
authors.affiliation: Church View Surgery, Hedon, East Yorkshire. a.d.i@btinternet.com
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Innes
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Campion
authors.forename: Frances E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Griffiths
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations