Refining (not narrowing) notions of program sustainability [Letter to the editor]

The recent research agenda set forth by Scheirer and Dearing (2011) on program sustainability may serve as an important step toward clarifying conceptualizations of the lasting effects of public health interventions. A concern arises, however, in defining sustainability as “continued use of program components and activities for the continued achievement of desirable program and population outcomes.” (p2060) Linking continued activities with ongoing intended outcomes may direct attention and resources away from exploring the full range of enduring program effects.