Lessons for success

Abstract

Sustained delivery of programs to improve the use of medicines and medical tests in primary care is a worthy objective. However, in order to be successful and to deliver interventions at scale, some prerequisites are needed. Programs should take account of the local culture and health system and have a clear understanding of the drivers for change when adapting or designing interventions. Being realistic about what the capacity of the implementation agency to influence change and/or control the environment ensures that resources are efficiently deployed. Similarly being absolutely clear about the behavior that one is trying to influence and the barriers and enablers for change will assist in designing effective programs and in guiding their evaluation. Investing in workforce, partnerships and strong evaluation will set implementation agencies up for long-term impact.