Table 3 Definition of additional components and examples of information needed

Broader programmatic results (Specific programme elements)

Indirect benefits from the training programmes

Enlarged pool of trainers; lessons learned from management of training programmes

Resources required (Broader programmatic considerations)

Resources invested in the training programme, including both direct and indirect costs

Human resource time devoted; trainers’ salary; cost for trainees’ accommodation

Sustainability (Broader programmatic considerations)

Whether the training programme can continue in the future

Contextual factors (demand from stakeholders to continue training); political support from local or national government; sufficient resources and funding

Scalability (Broader programmatic considerations)

Whether the training programme can be scaled up in other regions to cover a larger population

Local needs for the same training programme in other regions; ease of adaptability to different contexts; feasible plans for scale-up in place

Evaluation methodology (Credibility of evaluation)

Robustness of evaluation design and level of details provided to help policy-makers determine if objective approaches are used by evaluators

Study methodology including control groups; confounders and biases acknowledged

Composition of evaluation team (Credibility of evaluation)

Qualification of evaluators, their perceived independence and their knowledge of local context. The reputation of institutions to which the evaluation team members are affiliated also plays a role.

Potential conflicts of interest of evaluators; reputation of evaluators’ institution; technical background of evaluators; local language proficiency; experience in the local context