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

American Journal of Evaluation - Tập 26 Số 3 - Trang 320-347 - 2005
Mary Ann Scheirer1
1Scheirer Consulting,

Tóm tắt

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.

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Thông tin xuất bản

American Journal of Evaluation

Tập 26 Số 3

320-347

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