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

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  • Blanchet, Karl
  • Girois, Susan

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Blanchet, Karl & Girois, Susan, 2013. "Selection of sustainability indicators for health services in challenging environments: Balancing scientific approach with political engagement," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 28-32.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:38:y:2013:i:c:p:28-32
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2012.11.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deryck R. Brown, 1998. "Evaluating institutional sustainability in development programmes: beyond dollars and cents," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 10(1), pages 55-69.
    2. Chambers, Robert, 1994. "Participatory rural appraisal (PRA): Analysis of experience," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(9), pages 1253-1268, September.
    3. Izac, A-M. N. & Swift, M. J., 1994. "On agricultural sustainability and its measurement in small-scale farming in sub-Saharan Africa," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 11(2), pages 105-125, November.
    4. Chambers, Robert, 1994. "The origins and practice of participatory rural appraisal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(7), pages 953-969, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chye Ing Lim & Wahidul Biswas, 2015. "An Evaluation of Holistic Sustainability Assessment Framework for Palm Oil Production in Malaysia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(12), pages 1-27, December.

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