A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: update of Medical Research Council guidance

Abstract

Complex interventions are commonly used in the health and social care services, public health practice, and other areas of social and economic policy that have consequences for health. Such interventions are delivered and evaluated at different levels, from individual to societal. Examples include a new surgical procedure, the redesign of a health care programme, and a change in welfare policy. The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) published a framework for researchers and research funders on developing and evaluating complex interventions in 2000 and revised guidance in 2006.[1] Although these documents continue to be widely used and are now accompanied by a range of more detailed guidance on specific aspects of the research process,[2–5] there have been important conceptual, methodological and theoretical developments since 2006. These developments have been addressed in a new framework commissioned by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and the MRC.[6] The framework aims to help researchers work with other stakeholders to identify the key questions about complex interventions, and to design and conduct research with a diversity of perspectives and appropriate choice of methods.

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Affiliated Institutions

• University of Southampton GB
• Public Health Scotland GB
• University of Glasgow GB
• MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit GB
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine GB
• NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre GB
• University of Manchester GB
• MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit GB
• University of Cambridge GB
• Lancaster University GB
• Medical Research Council GB
• Manchester Academic Health Science Centre GB

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