Sustainable Programs Research Articles

Incorporação de Critérios de Sustentabilidade nos Empreendimentos do Programa Minha Casa, Minha Vida em São Gonçalo/RJ

Objective – To analyze the incorporation of environmental sustainability criteria in housing projects of the Minha Casa Minha Vida Program (PMCMV) in the municipality of São Gonçalo (RJ), between 2012 and 2022, focusing on its relationship with the construction industry and the principles of bioclimatic architecture, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. Methodology – The study is based on a literature review on sustainability in civil construction, analysis of legal and regulatory instruments related to the PMCMV, and document analysis of Neighborhood Impact Reports (RIV) and Neighborhood Impact Studies (EIV) submitted by the developments to the municipal authorities. The investigation focused on five variables representative of environmental impact in the construction sector: (i) planned disposal of solid waste; (ii) adequacy of disposal methods when provided; (iii) proposed measures to mitigate air pollution; (iv) adequacy of these measures; and (v) planned actions to mitigate the increase in local temperature. Originality/relevance – This work contributes to the discussion on environmental sustainability in large-scale housing programs, highlighting the importance of regulations in ensuring the effectiveness of mitigation measures in social housing projects. Results – The data indicate that the developments analyzed are more compliant with environmental mitigation measures when these are clearly established in legal and regulatory frameworks. In contrast, in the absence of specific guidelines, companies tend to be less proactive in identifying and implementing sustainable actions. Theoretical/methodological contributions – The research proposes a critical approach to evaluate the effectiveness of normative frameworks in promoting environmental sustainability in social housing. It also presents a replicable methodology for analyzing EIVs and RIVs in the urban context. Social and environmental contributions – By discussing the effectiveness of sustainable practices in the PMCMV, the study offers insights for the improvement of public housing policies and the promotion of more resilient and environmentally responsible cities.

Factors motivating community participation in the Bushbuckridge municipality in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa

ABSTRACT Participation is a fundamental component of any community enrichment programme. Current knowledge and understanding about what motivates communities to participate in local community initiatives are however limited, especially in a South African context. This study aimed to identify the factors that motivates local community members to participate in the construction and running of early childhood development (ECD) centres in the Bushbuckridge municipality in the Province of Mpumalanga. To achieve this aim, we engaged with Team Frank Africa – a non-profit organization (NPO) that builds and runs early childhood development (ECD) centres in the municipality with the assistance of local community members. Two focus group discussions were held with local community members, and two interviews were held with Team Frank members to identify what motivates local community participation in these ECDs. Findings revealed that community participation in this context is largely driven by self-interest, and a sense of ownership. Overall findings reaffirm the fact that community participation is a complex process, and its determinants are highly influenced by personal and socio-economic circumstances. We believe that the study contributes to our understanding of community participation in a rural South African context as well as contributes knowledge to the sustainability of future community development programmes in similar contexts.

Improving K-12 Schooling in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Through Tutoring: One Step Forward in Addressing an Ongoing Public Health Concern

Research has established that relatively higher levels of educational achievement are associated with better health outcomes. Thus, while providing every student with a high-quality education is always a public health concern, this matter garnered exceptional attention following the COVID-19 pandemic. It disrupted schooling across the globe, requiring elementary and secondary schools to address many resulting issues, including their students’ learning loss, interrupted learning of grade-level curricula, the need for accelerated learning, increased absenteeism, and staffing shortages. Consequently, this paper reports the many circumstances surrounding one approach employed widely in the United States to address the learning issues resulting from the pandemic: tutoring. First, the extent of students’ academic declines following the pandemic is documented, as is the association between educational attainment and health outcomes. Next, several facets of tutoring are explained, including (a) an operational definition, (b) research support of its effectiveness before and after the pandemic, (c) the characteristics of two types of effective tutoring germane to this paper, and (d) its fit within a school’s systems of interventions for all students. The paper concludes with a case report about relevant work performed at a high-needs school in the southeastern United States to establish a sustainable tutoring program resulting from the pandemic. It is one example of how K-12 schooling in the United States has improved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Logic Model-Based Evaluation of Desa Migran Produktif Empowerment Program in Pati Regency

Desa Migran Produktif (Desmigratif) program aims to empower Indonesian Migrant Workers (IMW) and their families in managing remittances productively to improve welfare and reduce circular migration. However, the implementation in Pati Regency still faces various obstacles. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Desmigratif Program using a Logic Model approach that includes inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts, and analyzes empowerment using Perkins' theory. The method used is qualitative with an evaluative approach through interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results show that the program has provided assistants, migration services, and productive business training, but is still constrained by limited resources and funding. Migration services and training have been running, but the application of business skills is still limited. Awareness of safe migration has increased, but utilization of remittances for productive businesses is still low. The long-term impact of reducing circular migration has not been significant. Supporting factors include government support and community participation, while the main constraints are the lack of local regulations, limited capital, and suboptimal coordination. Recommendations include strengthening the capacity of officers, mentoring PMI, optimizing program implementation, and improving regulations and funding support for program sustainability.

Academic Capability Under the Lens: Analyzing the Comprehensive Exam Program

This program evaluation is intended to describe the results of the comprehensive examination program for prospective teachers in all science fields. The results of this program evaluation are expected to make a specific contribution to the sustainability of the comprehensive examination program being held and are expected to contribute to education in general. This program evaluation uses the CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) evaluation model. Data sources for this program evaluation consist of documents and human resources. Based on the results of a thorough evaluation of the comprehensive examination program, it can be concluded that recommendations to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of this program are very important. Evaluations covering context, input, process and product aspects show that there are several areas that need to be improved and improved. An effective and sustainable comprehensive examination program is not only an evaluation tool, but also an integral part of their academic and professional career development. With a holistic and sustainable approach, study programs can ensure that comprehensive exams provide maximum benefits for students and educational institutions as a whole.

Family Medicine Diploma Program in Jordan: Components for Success and Sustainability

Background and Objectives: Jordan has residency positions available for approximately 20% of graduates from Jordanian medical schools, with approximately 30 in family medicine. Most graduates never complete a residency program and instead work as outpatient general practitioners (GPs). The need for more well-trained GPs is overwhelming. To address this gap, ERASMUS+ funding provided the money and technical expertise of European family medicine faculty to create a diploma program that enhanced prior efforts. In this paper, we share the evaluation data gathered for three levels of Kirkpatrick’s four-level model and discuss the additional steps taken to ensure sustainability of the diploma program. Methods: A needs analysis consisting of a series of surveys, site visits, personal interviews, and bilateral meetings was conducted by the project consortium to identify the items most necessary in developing a sustainable project. The four levels of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model were used to evaluate the project. Results: Trainees improved in areas of understanding primary care, ethics and values, communication skills, and patient management. Six months after diploma completion, Level 3 data showed decreases in both antibiotic prescriptions and referral rates. To increase sustainability, our program involved local stakeholders from the beginning of the project, provided training for family medicine mentors, offered incentives for program trainees, and developed a sustainable financial model. Conclusions: Diploma programs fill an important void in the expertise of GPs. Building on prior diploma program efforts, our program added critical elements to create a successful and sustainable program.

Scaling an Evidence-Based Community Health Worker Program With Fidelity: Results and Lessons Learned.

Community health worker (CHW) programs represent a key strategy for addressing social and structural drivers of health and have the potential to improve patient health outcomes and enhance quality of care while reducing health care costs. However, challenges such as high staff turnover, lack of program infrastructure, and inadequate CHW support and supervision can hinder implementation and sustainment of effective CHW programs. Furthermore, few CHW programs have been successfully scaled across multiple organizations and communities. Individualized Management for Person-Centered Targets (IMPaCT) is an evidence-based CHW model designed to address these challenges by standardizing processes for CHW hiring, training, support, and supervision while still allowing for context-specific adaptation and tailoring. In this dissemination and implementation project, we evaluated implementation of IMPaCT across five geographically and structurally distinct sites serving diverse and varied patient populations. Model fidelity was assessed across seven best practice domains via structured virtual observations with CHWs, supervisors, and program directors at each implementation site. Acute care use was evaluated using difference-in-differences regression modeling for patients enrolled in IMPaCT compared with a propensity score-matched control group. All implementation sites examined total hospital days per patient, and several sites chose to incorporate additional measures of acute care use such as the number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits. We found that core program components were implemented consistently across sites, and three of five sites were able to both sustain implementation over a three-year period and demonstrate significant reductions in acute care use, consistent with previous randomized controlled trials of this program. Health systems may be able to address social drivers of health and improve population health for patients who are low-income and patients of color by implementing evidence-based CHW programs with fidelity.

Sustainable entrepreneurship education and training program in the context of Asian society to develop sustainable entrepreneurial students

The Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education and Training Program at Universitas Galuh is designed to enhance students' understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship, develop innovative skills, and foster positive entrepreneurial attitudes. The program was implemented intensively from September 2024 to February 2025, which engaged 150 students from 19 study programs and featured 17 expert speakers from various countries. The training methods incorporated lectures, case studies, and group discussions, emphasizing sustainable entrepreneurship's theoretical foundations and practical applications. A Likert-scale survey and qualitative feedback were utilized as evaluation instruments to assess the program's effectiveness. The results indicated a significant improvement in students' knowledge and comprehension, entrepreneurial innovation skills, attitudes, motivations, and high levels of participant satisfaction. Additionally, the program was perceived as highly relevant to the context of the Asian community. The dissemination and promotion of the program through social media and mass media further enhanced its visibility and strengthened the academic reputation of Universitas Galuh. The program successfully met its objective of preparing students to become sustainable entrepreneurs. This achievement was attributed to the well-structured curriculum, the expertise of invited speakers, interactive pedagogical approaches, and the materials' relevance. Given its success, this program has the potential to serve as a model for the development of future sustainable entrepreneurship education initiatives.

Analisis Manajemen Kelompok Tani dalam Mempertahankan Keberlanjutan Program

The Jamelang Adult Farmers Group or as known as Kelompok Tani Dewasa (KTD) located in Kedunghalang Village, Bogor City, was established by the community to implement a program aimed at empowering society and enhancing food security through hydroponic farming. This study aims to understand how KTD Jamelang manages to sustain the Hidroponik Barokah program after the termination of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from the Yayasan Baitul Mal (YBM) BRI. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing field observations and in-depth interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding. The findings indicate that the sustainability of this program is supported by participatory communication management, which involves members in decision-making and ensures transparency in financial and operational matters. Continuous guidance from the KTD Jamelang facilitator is also a key factor in the sustainability of the Hydroponic Barokah program. Additionally, the Hydroponic Barokah program has positively impacted KTD Jamelang members, leading to increased productivity, knowledge, and income. Furthermore, social support, networking, and market access significantly contribute to the program's sustainability.

Implementasi Additive Ratio Assesment (Aras) Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) Lansia dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Desa Pasar Kerkap Perspektif Ekonomi Islam

Poverty is a complex issue that requires comprehensive strategies to address, including through the Family Hope Program (PKH), which provides cash assistance to poor households under certain conditions. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of PKH in improving the welfare of the elderly in Pasar Kerkap Village using the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method. This method allows for a more systematic evaluation of the program's impact, particularly in the context of Islamic economics. The results indicate that the implementation of ARAS in PKH has improved the targeting of social assistance, although challenges remain in fund disbursement and community understanding. This study provides recommendations to enhance program transparency and socialization, as well as strengthen collaboration between the government and the community to ensure a more effective and sustainable program.

Investigating membership attrition dynamics in community-based health insurance: a survival analysis of socioeconomic and program-specific determinants in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundDespite substantial growth and increased enrollment in Ethiopia's CBHI program, achieving universal coverage and retaining members remain challenging. This study, however, focuses on the persistent issue of dropout rates, which threaten the program's sustainability, while previous research has often focused on enrollment.MethodThe dependent variable is"time to membership attrition,"defined as an event “Dropout,"with independent variables including socioeconomic and program factors. Using Cochran's formula, data were collected from 772 (208 failure) respondents across five administrative zones. Analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier estimation, Cox Regression, and the Weibull AFT Model.ResultDropout rates peaked at an average membership duration of 4.09 years, with increasing hazard rates (Weibull shape parameter = 2.077, p < 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier analysis indicates safety net beneficiaries had a lower dropout rate (67.8%) than non-beneficiaries (76.6%) and longer survival (Chi-square = 4.083, p = 0.043). Respondents with 4–6 hectares had the shortest survival (5.88 years) and a higher dropout risk (B = 0.417, p = 0.042), while non-landowners had a higher attrition risk (HR = 1.266, p = 0.814), Farm owners had a lower dropout rate (70.7%) (Chi-square = 1.569, p = 0.021). Lower-middle-income members had a higher attrition risk (HR = 1.999, p = 0.042) with a mean survival of 6.28 years, compared to 6.47 years for upper-middle-income. Perceived healthcare quality influenced dropout risk, increasing it by 5.9% for fair quality than poor (HR = 3.368, p < 0.000), and significantly for good quality as well (HR = 2.284, p < 0.000). Moderate financial protection (not catastrophic spending) increased dropout risk by 7.3% compared to high protection (HR = 1.125, p = 0.040).ConclusionDropout rates peak in the early years of membership and increase over time. Enrolling in safety nets and having smaller land sizes enhanced retention rates, while extensive landholdings and being classified as Lower-Middle Income led to higher dropout rates; however, ownership of modern amenities had minimal impact on retention. Perceived healthcare quality and financial protection significantly influence CBHI retention, while program service quality has little effect, underscoring the need for policies that prioritize improving service quality, accessibility, and affordability.

Chemotactic Responses of Slug-Parasitic Nematodes to Potato-Tuber-Emitted Volatile Organic Compounds

Parasitic nematodes play a vital role in soil ecosystems, contributing to natural pest suppression. Among them, slug-parasitic species such as Phasmarhabditis papillosa (Schneider) Andrassy, Oscheius myriophilus (Poinar), and Oscheius onirici Torrini et al. are promising biological control agents against mollusk pests. These nematodes rely on plant-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for host location, yet their chemotactic responses to specific VOCs remain unclear. This study assessed the responses of P. papillosa, O. myriophilus, and O. onirici to VOCs emitted by potato (S. tuberosum) tubers under varying temperature (18 °C, 22 °C) and concentration conditions (pure compound, 0.03 ppm). The results indicate that octanal was the strongest attractant, particularly for O. myriophilus, while nonanal exhibited species-dependent effects. Hydrocarbons such as undecane and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene had minimal or repellent effects, whereas 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one showed moderate attraction. Chemotactic responses were stronger at 18 °C, and attraction increased with higher VOC concentrations, suggesting a threshold-dependent response. These findings enhance our understanding of plant–nematode interactions and suggest that octanal and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one could improve nematode-based slug control strategies. However, environmental factors such as soil composition and microbial activity may influence VOC diffusion and nematode recruitment. Future research should focus on optimizing VOC formulations, assessing field applicability, and integrating these findings into sustainable pest management programs.

Healthcare Workers Factors Contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration in Primary Healthcare Facilities of Homa Bay County, Western Kenya

Introduction: HIV Testing Service Integration refers to the process of embedding HIV testing and related services into the existing healthcare systems and other service delivery platforms. This approach ensures HIV testing is not provided in isolation but as part of a comprehensive package of health services. The goal of HIV Testing Service Integration is to make testing accessible, convenient and non-stigmatizing, while also improving efficiency and overall healthcare delivery focused at improving patient outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine Healthcare Workers (HCWs) factors contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration in Primary Healthcare Facilities of Homa Bay County in Western Kenya. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 60 Healthcare Workers picked from four health facilities that were purposively selected. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 software. Results: Healthcare Worker’s age (25-35 years) was significantly associated with HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=1.22-1.68, p-value=0.001). Female Healthcare Workers were found to be statistically significant in contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=1.24-2.03, p-value=0.002). Additionally, nursing cadre (95%CI=0.95-4.05, p-value=0.003) and Healthcare Workers training on HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=5.39-5.84, p-value=0.025) were found to be statistically significant in contributing towards HIV Testing Service Integration. Out of 60 Healthcare Workers, 40% cited workload as a hinderance to HIV Testing Service Integration and 75% agreed that integrating HIV Testing services into primary healthcare was a noble idea. Lastly, the perception of Healthcare Workers on HIV Testing Service Integration was statistically significant in contributing towards HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=1.47-1.84, p-value=0.014). Conclusion: This study showed Healthcare Workers’ age, gender, cadre and training on HIV Testing Service Integration as factors contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration within Primary Healthcare facilities of Homa Bay County. Hence, the need to scale up training of Healthcare Workers on HIV Testing Service Integration to ensure program sustainability during this period of donor dwindling support including conducting further study to determine the community, patient-related and structural factors that could be influencing HIV Testing Service Integration.

Evidence on Strategies for Integrating Nutrition Interventions with Health and Immunization Systems in Conflict-affected Areas of Low- and Lower-middle-income Settings-A Systematic Review.

Pervasive conflict and war adversely affect a nation's sustainable development. Health and health systems deteriorate, causing long-lasting impacts on diets and nutrition. For the most vulnerable, integrated models of delivery of essential nutrition interventions are critical for the efficiency and sustainability of programs in these settings. The objective of this systematic review was to provide evidence on coverage, utilization, and impact of integrated programs in conflict-affected, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A database search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL from January 1, 2000 to February 14, 2024. Gray literature was also reviewed. Quantitative and qualitative studies, including observational or intervention designs, and reviews and program evaluations conducted in LMICs, focusing on women (≥19 years) and children (0-19 years) were included. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted independently by 2 investigators using a standardized tool. In total, 93 studies (103 reports) were included from 25 countries, including 32 unique gray literature records. The conflict-affected regions included South-East Asia (n = 27), Eastern-Mediterranean (n = 8), Africa (n = 58), and the Americas (n = 1). The review distinguished programs based on nutrition-specific, nutrition-sensitive, and health components. Although the coverage and utilization of integrated nutrition and health programs has been substantial, the impact of the strategies on health and nutrition has been limited. The meta-analysis found no significant differences in rates of wasting among children under 5 years; however, it showed that children who received an integrated strategy experienced a 28% lower risk of underweight (P = .007) and a 12% reduced risk of stunting (P = .05) compared with those who did not. This review has provided an in-depth insight into integrated nutrition and health strategies in conflict-affected settings, identifying key facilitators and barriers that can inform future policy and program design. Integrating nutrition programs into health systems and enhancing government and community ownership could enhance efficiency and sustainability, given challenging environments. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42022373993.

The Social Responsibility of Universities and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Towards a Future Vision

ABSTRACTThis research examines the idea of university social responsibility (USR) in promoting long‐term sustainability. It examined the vast research on corporate social responsibility (CSR), its sustainability in higher education, and its relevance to higher education to identify universities' particular difficulties and possibilities. The study discusses key dimensions of USR, such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic responsibility, and ethical considerations. It also discusses the potential benefits of USR, such as reducing the carbon footprint of education, promoting diversity and inclusion, fostering innovation, and enhancing global collaboration. Data was collected through an online link attached via email to students at the American University of Sharjah, UAE. The study explores students' perceptions of sustainability activities and compares USR to CSR, using a ‘capital stock’ approach to evaluate institutions' sustainability efforts. By examining students' perspectives and critically analyzing existing literature, this paper aims to understand how universities can contribute to sustainable development comprehensively. Many students expressed a great desire to participate in sustainability programs, highlighting the need to incorporate such efforts into university operations, courses, and community participation. The research contributes to the theoretical advancement of USR by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding and analyzing university social responsibilities. It also offers implications for policy and practice and encourages institutions to emphasize and integrate sustainability initiatives across several disciplines. Finally, this study emphasizes universities' critical role in fostering sustainable development via education, research, and community participation.

ESG investment strategies

The key directions of social and economic development of any country today are associated with the concept of establishing a balance between meeting the needs of humanity and preserving the interests of future generations. In the context of the implementation of the sustainable development program, the international investment market has undergone radical changes. Foreign investors are oriented towards cooperation provided that they comply with the principles of sustainability and transparency of activities. The aim of the research is to study the impact of responsible investing on the process of activating foreign investment in the context of the Ukrainian economy post-war reconstruction. The research is based on the hypothesis of the positive impact of implementing the principles of environmental, social and governance (ESG) sustainability in the activities of national companies in order to more actively attract foreign investment into the real sector of the economy. The main research methods are systemic and comparative analysis; methods of theoretical generalization, grouping and abstraction; induc­tion and deduction; statistical methods of collec­ting and processing information. The research was carried out using materials from reports of international organizations, the European econo­mic database, and scientific works of foreign and Ukrainian scientists. The opinions of global investors and consultants in various areas of sustainable development are presented. Global trends in responsible investment are studied. An analysis of the investment needs of the Ukrainian economy, taking into account current losses and damages in various areas and industries, showed that strategic development requires long-term investments to finance large-scale and long-term projects. The feasibility of using project financing for the development of the real sector of the Ukrainian economy is substantiated. Analysis of ESG ratings and GDP per capita indicators showed that the implementation of sustainable development principles is more relevant for high-income countries. A phased integration of ESG standards for Ukrainian enterprises interested in foreign investments was proposed. The main barriers to the implementation of ESG principles in the corporate policy of companies were systema­tized. Studying the experience of the international business community has allowed us to identify the main advantages of introducing sustainable investing into business practice

A systematic review of economic evaluations of clinical pharmacy Services in the United States: 2018–2022

AbstractEvaluating the economic impact of clinical pharmacy services (CPS) is important for program implementation and sustainability. This study systematically reviewed economic evaluations of United States‐based CPS published between 2018 and 2022. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, IPA, and CINAHL in September 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed pharmacist‐based CPS reporting economic outcomes or program costs. Studies where the pharmacist's individual economic impact could not be isolated were excluded. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed based on study design and the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument for full economic evaluations. Descriptive statistics summarized study characteristics. (PROSPERO #CRD42023449047). A total of 103 articles met inclusion criteria. Of these, 35% were disease state management, 28% general pharmacotherapy monitoring, and 27% targeted drug programs. Intervention settings included 35% hospital sites, 28% ambulatory care, and 9% community pharmacies. Telehealth delivery was reported in 36% of the studies, while 16% focused on outcomes related to reimbursement or return on investment. Economic evaluation types included descriptive (53%), partial evaluations (30%), and full economic evaluations (17%). According to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy process of care components, 57% included patient assessment, medication therapy evaluation, care plan development and implementation, and follow‐up evaluation. The median and interquartile range (IQR) QHES score for the full evaluations was 68 (46–82) out of 100. This review highlights the need for improved methodological rigor and comprehensive economic evaluations to support the long‐term viability and reimbursement of CPS, particularly among services delivered via telehealth.

Development of a pragmatic measure for the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model.

The Practical, Robust Implementation and SustainabilityModel (PRISM) is an implementation science framework that incorporates multilevel contextual considerations and key implementation outcomes that can be used to support program planning, implementation, and sustainment. The PRISM has been applied to diverse populations, settings, and implementation strategies. Tools to rapidly assess the PRISM's contextual determinants of implementation success are needed to support implementation efforts. The objectives of this study were to describe the development and preliminary psychometric and pragmatic properties of the PRISM Contextual Survey Instrument (PCSI) and to demonstrate its use to inform implementation and sustainment in health care settings. The 29-item survey was developed based on refinement of existing questions, expert feedback, and pilot testing. Three to six items were included for each of the six PRISM context domains, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Implementors completed the PRISM survey and quantitative measures of implementation outcomes (acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness; Weiner et al., 2017) to establish concurrent validity. Survey results were used to tailor subsequent implementation efforts. The PCSI took 14 min on average to complete. The mean overall score across participants and sites was 3.95 (SD = 0.42). The PCSI exhibited good psychometric and pragmatic properties. Internal consistency for the subscales ranged from 0.53 to 0.82, and concurrent validity with the other implementation outcomes varied from r = 0.70 (p < .001) for feasibility to r = 0.80 (p < .001) for appropriateness. Pragmatic ratings ranged from the "minimal/emerging" to "excellent" category (Lewis et al., 2021), and provided examples illustrate the practical application of the survey results for implementation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Integrating health care and early years support for children and young people living in deprivation: a cost-effectiveness analysis of the Sparkbrook Children’s Zone integrated clinic versus usual primary care in Birmingham, UK

BackgroundIncreased use of emergency and secondary care by children and young people, especially in deprived populations, drives increased costs in health and social care systems in rich country settings, without...

Programme administrators’ views on barriers in the Cuban-South African medical collaboration at UKZN

Background: The Cuban-South African medical collaboration, initiated in the early 1990s, aims to address the shortage of medical doctors, particularly in remote and rural South Africa, thereby contributing to achieving health-related outcomes for universal health coverage.Aim: This study focusses on the perceptions of programme administrators of the systemic barriers in coordinating the Cuban-South African medical collaboration programme.Setting: The main site for this study is the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson Rohihlahla Mandela School of Medicine. It is the only medical university located in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed to understand the barriers to coordinating the programme. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with participants at the medical school. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The study revealed several barriers that hinder the smooth operation of the programme, such as incomplete documentation and delays in registration, delays in equipment distribution and transportation complications because of registration issues, language barriers, connectivity issues, and the need for provisions during load shedding and water shortages.Conclusion: Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving the overall experience of the cohort students, who play a vital role in enhancing human resources for health, driving health reforms and supporting primary healthcare in South Africa.Contribution: The study provides recommendations to enhance the programme’s effectiveness. These measures are essential for ensuring the sustainability and success of the Cuban-South African medical collaboration programme.