The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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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.