Untangling Gordian knots: improving tuberculosis control through the development of 鈥榩rogramme theories鈥�
Abstract
We argue that if the lessons from tuberculosis control programmes are to be drawn effectively then a more nuanced understanding is needed that takes account of the complex health system environment within which they sit. We suggest that a conceptual framework that draws upon the World Health Organization's DOTS strategy can be harnessed to assist the systematic analysis of programmes in a way that links this vertical, disease specific strategy to horizontal health system factors so that comparisons can be made. This multi-disciplinary, multi-method approach to the evaluation builds upon the work of others including Pawson and Tilley and their 鈥榩rogrammes theories鈥�. This work has informed the application of an evaluation toolkit which has been successfully applied in a number of settings and assisted in the sustainable implementation of a DOTS strategy in Russia.
Citation
Coker, R.; Atun, R.; McKee, M. Untangling Gordian knots: improving tuberculosis control through the development of鈥榩rogramme theories鈥�. International Journal of Health Planning and Management (2004) 19 (3) 217-226. [DOI: 10.1002/hpm.759]