Implementation sustainability

Abstract

While initiating behaviour change is challenging, sustaining it is even more so; yet, failure to sustain successful implementation can have substantial consequences. Indeed, failure to address implementation sustainability and advance the science that underpins it was identified as the most important implementation problem of our time. By not addressing this challenge, research is wasted, and healthcare is impacted globally. In this essay, we will define sustainability, explore determinants of sustainability, outline models for sustainability, and identify research gaps in implementation sustainability to advance this field and strengthen our health systems.