Is Sustainability Possible? A Review and Commentary on Empirical Studies of Program Sustainability

Autor/in	Scheirer, Mary Ann
Titel	Is Sustainability Possible? A Review and Commentary on Empirical Studies of Program Sustainability
Quelle	In: American Journal of Evaluation, 26 (2005) 3, S.320-347 (28 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1098-2140
DOI	10.1177/1098214005278752
Schlagwörter	Sustainable Development; Health Programs; Program Evaluation; Influences; Evaluation Methods; Measurement; Literature Reviews; Canada; United States + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Nachhaltige Entwicklung; Programme evaluation; Programmevaluation; Influence; Einfluss; Einflussfaktor; Messverfahren; Kanada; USA
Abstract	An important final step in the life cycles of programs and their evaluation involves assessing new programs' or innovations' sustainability. This review and synthesis of 19 empirical studies of the sustainability of American and Canadian health-related programs examines the extent of sustainability achieved and summarizes factors contributing to greater sustainability. Three definitions for measuring sustainability were examined: continued program activities (18 studies), continued measured benefits or outcomes for new clients (2 studies), and maintained community capacity (6 studies). Methods of studying sustainability were also assessed. In 14 of 17 studies covering the continuation of program activities, at least 60% of sites reported sustaining at least one program component. Although these studies' methods had substantial limitations, cross-study analysis showed consistent support for five important factors influencing the extent of sustainability: (a) A program can be modified over time, (b) a "champion" is present, (c) a program "fits" with its organization's mission and procedures, (d) benefits to staff members and/or clients are readily perceived, and (e) stakeholders in other organizations provide support. (Author).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10