Table 2 Themes and recommendations

Contextual Understanding

Invest in formative research to better understand context

Look for opportunities to “build back better” after emergencies. Recognise and capitalise on ‘policy windows’ in a timely manner

Human resources

Carefully identify appropriate cadres and individuals to train

Provide meaningful and beneficial training, relationships, and opportunities to promote motivation and retention

Sustainability

Integrate training into existing health and education systems

Invest in specialist training, reliable medication supplies, and referral networks to support task-sharing initiatives and trained personnel

Invest in buy-in from service providers, educators, and policy makers

Quality assurance

Research the tension between appropriate and sustainable approaches and evidence based practices

Develop and use standards to guide evaluation, interpretation of results and subsequent decision making

Use theoretical frameworks such as Theory of Change and participatory approaches