Understanding how to create healthier places: A qualitative study exploring the complex system of urban development decision-making

Health Place. 2023 May:81:103023. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103023. Epub 2023 Apr 18.

Abstract

Tackling complex system challenges like creating healthy environments requires understanding priorities and structures affecting multiple actors. This qualitative study, involving 132 multi-sectoral stakeholders spanning the urban development decision-making system, explores how to influence healthier place-making. Using thematic analysis we develop themes around competing stakeholder priorities; structural 'rules' and influential relationships; and justifying a focus on health, requiring greater clarity and consensus around definitions of 'healthy' urban development. Building on the socio-ecological model we highlight how a multi-faceted approach is required for change at multiple levels in the complex system to target individual actor motivations, organisational priorities and structural 'rules'.

Keywords: Decision-making; Environmental determinants; Population health; Qualitative; System; Urban development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making
  • Environment Design*
  • Humans
  • Population Health
  • Qualitative Research
  • Urban Renewal*