Factors influencing perceived sustainability of Dutch community health programs

We assessed the perceived sustainability of community health programs by local intersectoral coalitions, as well as the factors that partners think might influence sustainability. Semi-structured conducted among 31 collaborating partners of 5 community health programs deprived neighborhoods in the southern part of the Netherlands. The guide was based on a conceptual framework that includes factors related context, the leading organization, leadership, the coalition, partners, interventions and outcomes. Interviews were recorded, content analyzed using NVivo 8.0. Participants in each of the programs their perceptions of the sustainability of the program, but those people collaborating in pre-existing neighborhood structures expressed faith in their continuation. The participating citizens in particular that these structures would continue to address the health of the the future. We found factors from all categories of the conceptual were perceived to influence sustainability. The program leaders appeared crucial to the programs, as they were frequently mentioned in close with other factors. Program leaders should use a motivating and leadership style and should act as 'program champions'.