​There is considerable interest in the concept of adaptive development and what it may look like in different sectors, including health.

While health practitioners may not be calling it 'adaptive development', many are already conducting adaptive work - particularly in regards to the application of the 'quality improvement' approach, which is already widely used in the sector.

This briefing explores the concept of adaptive development and how it can, and is, being employed in the public health environment. However, it is argued that if the health sector wants to truly benefit from adaptive approaches, it needs to start thinking and working politically, employing a politically informed, whole system strategy.

Olivia Tulloch