Table 6 Updated list of sustainability outcomes variables

I. Benefits

Benefits for patients, staff and stakeholders continue

e.g. continued improvements in health outcomes for infants in protein intake and weight gain [79]

II. Activities

Initiative activities or components of the original intervention continue

e.g. continuation of the HIV testing service delivery [82]

III. Relationships, partnerships and networks

Maintenance of relationships, partnerships or networks that were developed during the funded programme

e.g. maintenance of relationships with champion groups to continuously advocate for and implement activities [60]

IV. Procedures and policies

Maintenance of new organisational procedures, and policies that were started during program implementation

e.g. workflow integration achieved through ongoing communication and documentation in electronic records [66]

V. Attention and awareness

Attention and awareness of the problem or issue is continued or increased

e.g. using educative messages through mass media and community meetings [102]

VI. Spread

Replication, roll-out or scale up of the initiative

e.g. programme is scaled-up locally/nationally and exist in similar forms elsewhere [60]

VII. Skills and capabilities

Capacity built (skills and capabilities) within staff, stakeholders and communities developed throughout an initiative continue to be utilised

e.g. intervention is incorporated into staff orientation [66]

VIII. Innovation and adaptation

Adaptation in response to new or changing populations, evidence, policies, or other contextual influences

e.g. replacing intervention posters in public places or changing intervention images [106]

IX. Garnering funding

Gaining further funds to continue the initiative and maintain improvements

e.g. funds for the intervention activities are included in the annual budget for illness prevention strategies [102]