Evaluation of selected adult mental health reform initiatives

Nous has been engaged by the Department of Health to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of selected adult mental health reform initiatives that aim to address priority pressures and issues related to high risk/high need mental health clients. The specific initiatives are Secure Extended Care Unit (SECU) Diversion and Substitution, Intensive Home-Based Outreach Support (IHBOS) and Care Coordination. The evaluation spans from 2010 to 2013, is framed by program logic methodology, and uses key lines of enquiry to determine whether the initiatives have delivered intended outcomes and assess the implementation of the initiatives. It also includes an analysis of the cost effectiveness of the initiatives within the Victorian metal health system.

The evaluation is split into two areas: the formative evaluation, which investigates how the initiatives are implemented over three years; and the summative evaluation, which determines the overall effect the initiatives have on client and system outcomes. This evaluation method requires Nous to productively engage with mental health service provider stakeholders, both in the clinical and Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation and Support Services (PDRSS) sectors, to ensure quality data and insights are gained at every stage of the collection and reporting process.

The summative nature of the evaluation allows the Department of Health to respond to issues of the initiative implementation, and the evaluation will provide the basis for the Department’s response to Treasury for future funding of mental health reform.