TY - JOUR T1 - Complex consultations and the ‘edge of chaos’ JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 47 LP - 52 VL - 55 IS - 510 AU - Andrew D Innes AU - Peter D Campion AU - Frances E Griffiths Y1 - 2005/01/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/55/510/47.abstract N2 - 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. ER -