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Well? Issue 4: Spring/Summer 2004
Research and Evaluation
A research team, headed by Angela Hallam (pictured above), is now operating within the Scottish Executive to research and evaluate National Programme activities.
The team supports the National Programme team, NHS Health Scotland and other partners, and a strategy has now been developed which outlines how the priorities for research and evaluation will be addressed, with approximate timescales.
PROGRESS TO DATE
Mental Health Improvement
The team is liaising with NHS Health Scotland in the development of the Mental Health Improvement Evidence and Information Programme. Funding and research support are being provided to specific initiatives.
For example, secondary analysis of the Scottish component of the 2002 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children and the WHO Cross-National Collaborative Study (Dr C Currie and Dr L Alexander, Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit). A briefing paper was published in March 2004 entitled
Mental health and well-being in the context of school: Young people in Scotland.
www.education.ed.ac.uk/cahru/projects/hbsc
An independent evaluation of the national anti-stigma campaign, "see me", is also at the planning stage.
"Choose Life"
A scoping exercise was commissioned in January 2004 to explore the interests and areas of expertise of centres and individuals focusing on research related to suicide and suicidal behaviour in Scotland and further afield (Ms J McLean, Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health and Professor S Platt, Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change).
A specification is being developed for an independent evaluation to measure progress towards implementation of the "Choose Life" agenda against established milestones. Findings from the evaluation will inform the next phase of the strategy and action plan.
An evaluation of the "Breathing Space" telephone advice line is also being planned.
Looking forward to 2004
Independent evaluations of Breathing Space, "see me" and "Choose Life" will be commissioned.
The second National Scottish Survey of Public Attitudes to Mental Health, Well-Being and Mental Health Problems will be commissioned.
The scoping study (McLean and Platt) will inform the development of a series of reviews to collate the existing evidence base in relation to suicide prevalence, risk and protective factors, and the effectiveness of specific interventions.
Liaison, research advice and dissemination activities will continue, broadening and strengthening the network of support for the National Programme.
The research team is always interested to hear about research relevant to mental health improvement and suicide prevention, whether this is in progress, planned or completed. The team also welcomes information about the research interests of potential contractors.
Angela Hallam
National Programme Research Team, Scottish Executive
t: 0131 244 2813
e:angela.hallam@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.wellontheweb.net
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