When and how do 'effective' interventions need to be adapted and/or re-evaluated in new contexts? The need for guidance (Editorial)

Abstract

First paragraph: Rational models of evidence-informed policy have historically centred on an assumption that it is possible to identify "effective" health interventions, before recommending wider implementation. However, for population health interventions (which we define as inclusive of public health and health services), transferability to new contexts is often uncertain [1]. Some interventions have demonstrated limited effectiveness, or even harm, when used elsewhere. For example, antenatal corticosteroids have reduced neonatal mortality amongst pregnant women at risk of preterm birth in high-income countries, but increased mortality and maternal infection in low and middle-income countries