Step 4: Visualise your problem

A visualisation is helpful for clarifing your thoughts and to communicate the problem

Logical models

A logic model creates a diagrammatic representation of the key components of a programme and the way that actions are intended to lead to outcomes The Better Care Fund (2015) - Use a logic models for the definition of research question. It is a conceptual diagram. The diagram helps to illustrate your view on the problem. It should help understand the big picture - Use the logic models for communication, for example to politics - Logical models are created by asking many if-then questions. - You can use a logical model throughout all stages of a review

Steps in creation

This guide follows a Tutorial by Ruth Knight

a. Participation

  • Define who you want to participate
  • Create a table for participation
Who will be consulted How we will consult with them How will this be achieved What we are consulting with them about Who is responsible for collating feedback

b. State the problem

  • Write down the problem concisely (preferably under 250 words)
  • Address the following parts: Who is affected? What are the causes? What are the symptoms? Key findings of previous studies? What are the consequences?
  • You can use the “Problem Tree Approach”

c. State the solution

  • Write down the goal or the intervention
  • It should contain a solution about the problem, that you stated earlier

d. State the resources needed

  • This step is typical in the creation of a logical model but is probably not necessary for a systematic review, because we wont actually be doing a program
  • Write down what resources are needed to implement the solution for the problem (not the resources needed for doing a review)

e. State the outputs

  • What will happen if the solution is applied to the problem
  • Outputs are the direct results of the intervention
  • Outputs can be grouped
  • You can divide the outputs in activities and who is affected

f. State the outcomes

  • Outcomes can be divided into short-term, medium-term and long-term outcomes

Example

Source: Mediawiki

Directed acylcic graphs (DAG)

  • Use a DAG

Document

You can put your logic model into the protocol