Scientific article
English

Selection of sustainability indicators for health services in challenging environments: balancing scientific approach with political engagement

Published inEvaluation and program planning, vol. 38, p. 28-32
Publication date2013-06
First online date2012-12-03
Abstract

Sustainability evaluation has become a key component of international health. However, evaluators have faced a number of challenges linked to the lack of consensus on the meaning of the concept of "sustainability". This paper aims to describe a methodology, the Sustainability Analysis Process, based on several conceptual frameworks and tested in five different countries in the physical rehabilitation sector. The methodology consists of five successive steps: (i) overview of the context; (ii) system boundary; (iii) consensus vision of sustainability, and derivation of stakeholder perspectives; (iv) selection of sustainability indicators and characterization and analysis of local system sustainability; and (v) verification and modification. The paper also discusses the place of the evaluator and researcher in the process: the methodology aims to help evaluators objectively measure the level of sustainability of a health system with the challenge of dealing with a subjective notion, the concept of sustainability, and a diversity of actors. The Sustainability Analysis Process also aims to capture the dynamics of systems by repeating the process on a regular basis. The methodology highlights the need for evaluators build consensus amongst stakeholders on a common vision of the future of a health system.

Keywords
  • Delivery of Health Care / organization & administration
  • Developing Countries
  • Environment
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Politics
  • Program Evaluation / methods
Affiliation entities Not a UNIGE publication
Citation (ISO format)
BLANCHET, Karl, GIROIS, Susan. Selection of sustainability indicators for health services in challenging environments: balancing scientific approach with political engagement. In: Evaluation and program planning, 2013, vol. 38, p. 28–32. doi: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2012.11.003
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Article (Published version)
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Identifiers
Journal ISSN0149-7189
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