Reported Systems Changes and Sustainability Perceptions of Three State Departments of Health Implementing...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Research
• Gerontology

Background:

• Systems change and sustainability are critical for public health initiatives.
• Limited understanding exists regarding factors sustaining multi-state, multi-level fall prevention programs.
• State Departments of Health (DOH) often lead complex, funded interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore changes in partnerships and collaborative activities supporting fall prevention goals.
• To examine State DOH perceptions of sustainability indicators before, during, and after funding periods.
• To identify factors influencing the sustainability of evidence-based fall prevention initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory study design.
• Focus on three State Departments of Health with 5-year Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding.
• Analysis of changes in partnerships, collaborative activities, and perceptions of sustainability indicators across funding phases.

Main Results:

• Partnership and activity changes were documented as necessary for achieving fall prevention goals post-funding.
• Sustainability indicator documentation was perceived as relevant during funding but less so after funding concluded.
• The study highlights the dynamic nature of collaboration and perceived importance of sustainability metrics.

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation and sustainability of fall prevention interventions require specific partnership and activity adaptations.
• The perceived importance of sustainability indicators shifts significantly once external funding ceases.
• Findings offer insights for future funded public health efforts, emphasizing sector and stakeholder engagement for sustained impact.