Strengthening health systems through the use of process evaluations of complex interventions

Abstract

Strengthening health systems to provide affordable, effective and accessible care in a lifecourse approach is necessary to address the growing global burden from non-communicable diseases (NCD). To address deficiencies in the health system, researchers have designed and trialled ‘complex interventions’ which are defined as interventions with multiple interacting components, and complexity in its implementation. Process evaluations alongside randomised controlled trials (RCT) of complex interventions are highly valuable. They explore implementation and different stakeholders’ perspectives as to for whom, how and why a complex intervention has an impact