Table 4 Framework/model/theory sustainability definitions mapped to sustainability constructs by Moore et al. [1]

Buchanan et al. [25]

Sustainability

The sustainability of change can be broadly defined as the 'process' through which new working methods, performance goals and improvement trajectories are maintained for a period appropriate to a given context [25].

Racine [42]

Sustainability

None provided

The framework alludes to the existence of 'stages' in the process through which an innovation goes from adoption to sustainability

Maher et al. [39]

Sustainability

Sustainability is when new ways of working and improved outcomes become the norm. Not only have the 'process' and outcome changed, but the thinking and attitudes behind them are fundamentally altered and the systems surrounding them are transformed in support. In other words, it has become an integrated or mainstream way of working rather than something “added on.” As a result, when you look at the process or outcome one year from now or longer, you can see that at a minimum it has not reverted to the old way or old level of performance. Further, it has been able to withstand challenge and variation; it has evolved alongside other changes in the context, and perhaps has actually continued to improve over time [40].

Slaghuis et al. [40]

Routinization

Sustainability is “a dynamic 'process' in which actors in a targeted work practice develop and/or adapt the organizational routines to a new work method. This process can also be described as routinization: through the development of organizational routines a new work method becomes part of everyday routine activities. This process also involves learning processes at different levels in the organization, as there is more to the daily performance of a work practice than just routinization” (40).

Chambers et al. (34)

Sustainability

Sustainability is a 'process' of managing and supporting the evolution of an intervention within a changing context [35]. Sustainability has evolved from being considered as the endgame of a translational research process to a suggested “adaptation phase” that integrates and institutionalizes interventions within local organizational and cultural contexts (34].

Fox et al. [43]

Sustainability

No explicit definition is provided with framework. ...only explicitly states it combines the concepts presented by Greenhalgh et al. [44] in their systematic review (e.g., successful routinization is strongly impacted by staff continuity, attrition, and perceptions of the value and need of the innovation), and the DSF Chambers et al. [34] which posits the concept is not an endpoint but rather involves a 'process' of innovation evolution or continual adaptation as a result of learning, problem-solving and evolution [43].

Fleiszer et al. [13]

Sustainability

Sustainability is a 'process' that emerges from and succeeds innovation implementation wherein improvements are maintained, new ways of working become routine, surrounding systems are transformed in support and the innovation may even be developed, over a period of time appropriate to a given situation [13].

Frykman et al. [41]

Sustainability

Uses Stirman et al. [9] definition of sustainability, “the 'phase' of implementation when initial support has been withdrawn, core elements are maintained, and capacity for continued performance of the core elements is maintained” [41].