173061 Using the ExpandNet framework and tools for scaling up

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 12:30 PM

Ruth Simmons, PhD , Department of Health Behavior/Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Peter Fajans, MD, MPH , Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva 27, Switzerland
Laura J. Ghiron, MPH , Department of Health Behavior/Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
To successfully scale up health innovations, clear definitions, conceptualizations, and practical guidance are needed. ExpandNet, an international network of health professionals who seek to further the practice and science of scaling up, is addressing these tasks. ExpandNet has developed a framework to guide strategic thinking in scaling up public health innovations. Emphasizing an evidence-based approach, ExpandNet defines scaling up as “deliberate efforts to increase the impact of health service innovations successfully tested in pilot or experimental projects so as to benefit more people and to foster policy and program development on a lasting basis.” Scaling up is viewed as an organizational, managerial and institution-building task and not as a narrowly technical one.

The ExpandNet framework will be laid out including the determinants and key attributes of scaling up success. This will be followed by central lessons learned from the scaling up of reproductive and primary health initiatives in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Tools created by ExpandNet/WHO to support practitioners seeking to scale up health innovations will be mentioned and the audience will be directed to the ExpandNet website which contains these tools and further resources.

Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize the utility of applying a conceptual framework to the scaling up of public health interventions 2. Evaluate public health interventions for their scalability 3. List the central elements of a scaling-up strategy 4. Discuss tools to support the creation of project-specific scaling-up strategies.

Keywords: Sustainability, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a founding member of ExpandNet and a member of its Secretariat. In addition, I have co-authored numerous ExpandNet publications.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.