Practical Guidance for Scaling Up Health Service Innovations

Scaling up is both an art and a science. As a multi-dimensional process, it pertains to much more than technology transfer and the dissemination of information. It is a social, political and institutional process that engages multiple actors, interest groups and organizations. ExpandNet/WHO has developed two guidance documents for policymakers, program managers, donors and individuals providing technical assistance to programs.

The Practical Guide is based on an analysis of a broad range of literatures including health and family planning, social sciences, organization sciences and international development. It is also based on the experience of ExpandNet members working on scaling-up initiatives in different parts of the world including countries implementing the Strategic Approach to Strengthening Reproductive Health Policies and Programmes and from scaling-up efforts in China and Ghana. The Practical Guide identifies general principles and makes very specific, concrete suggestions.

In addition, ExpandNet has developed a document entitled Nine Steps for Developing a Scaling Up Strategy. It provides stepwise guidance to teams or projects who already have a proven innovation in hand and wish to scale it up to reach further.