We present a detailed argument for how to integrate, or bridge, systems science thinking and methods with implementation science. We start by showing how fundamental systems science principles of structure, dynamics, information, and utility are relevant for implementation science. Then we examine the need for implementation science to develop and apply richer theories of complex systems. This can be accomplished by emphasizing a causal mechanisms approach. Identifying causal mechanisms focuses on the “cogs and gears” of public health, clinical, and organizational interventions. A mechanisms approach focuses on how a specific strategy will produce the implementation outcome. We show how connecting systems science to implementation science opens new opportunities for examining and addressing social determinants of health and conducting equitable and ethical implementation research. Finally, we present case studies illustrating successful applications of systems science within implementation science in community health policy, tobacco control, health care access, and breast cancer screening.Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health, Volume 45 is April 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

中文翻译：

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桥梁与机制：将系统科学思维融入实施研究

我们提出了如何将系统科学思维和方法与实施科学相整合或衔接的详细论证。我们首先展示结构、动力学、信息和效用的基本系统科学原理如何与实施科学相关。然后我们研究实施科学开发和应用更丰富的复杂系统理论的需求。这可以通过强调因果机制方法来实现。识别因果机制的重点是公共卫生、临床和组织干预的“齿轮和齿轮”。机制方法侧重于具体战略如何产生实施结果。我们展示了如何将系统科学与实施科学联系起来，为检查和解决健康的社会决定因素以及进行公平和道德的实施研究开辟了新的机会。最后，我们提出了案例研究，说明系统科学在实施科学中在社区卫生政策、烟草控制、医疗保健获取和乳腺癌筛查中的成功应用。《公共卫生年度回顾》第 45 卷的预计最终在线发布日期为 2024 年 4 月请参阅 http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates 了解修订后的估计。