Mulrooney claims that the data paints a picture not of resource decimation but rather of "sustainability and continuity".
Designing and implementing a large-scale integrated campaign in the context of pre- and post-existing health and social systems provides an important component of sustainability and continuity that may enhance the effectiveness of the campaign.
At an organisational level RCB relates to building elements of research sustainability and continuity, overcoming barriers and enhancing research culture.
Although sustainability implies continuity, changes can be rapid and unexpected, and a surprise-rich future should be anticipated.
ICDDR,B's clinical services provide the opportunity for research that is 'close to practice', while the management and operations' section addresses infrastructure, and sustainability and continuity.
Some examples of criteria for measuring sustainability and continuity are gibe in table 5 Infrastructure includes structures and processes that are set up to enable the smooth and effective running of research projects.
These principles are that RCB should: develop skills and confidence, support linkages and partnerships, ensure the research is 'close to practice', develop appropriate dissemination, invest in infrastructure, and build elements of sustainability and continuity.
This are discussed in more detail below but include: building skills and confidence, developing linkages and partnerships, ensuring the research is 'close to practice', developing appropriate dissemination, investments in infrastructure, and building elements of sustainability and continuity.
For sustainability and continuity to be maximised it has also been argued that community interventions based in the school or home environment are the most appropriate places for universal interventions to occur [ 45].
The elements of the MEF reflect the six principles proposed by Cooke (2005) [ 32]: developing skills and confidence; supporting links and partnerships; ensuring that research is 'close to practice'; developing appropriate dissemination; investing in infrastructure; and building elements for sustainability and continuity.
Time taken and efforts made to provide ongoing motivation and support to a cohort of grant holders should not be underestimated, and need to be considered for long-term sustainability and continuity of capacity building programs similar to the Flinders PHCRED small grant and mentoring program.
