Evaluating Scotland's Suicide Prevention Strategy
Author Information
Author(s): Mhairi Mackenzie, Avril Blamey, Emma Halliday, Margaret Maxwell, Allyson McCollam, David McDaid, Joanne MacLean, Amy Woodhouse, Stephen Platt
Primary Institution: University of Glasgow
Hypothesis
How can the evaluation of the Choose Life strategy improve future public health policy evaluations?
Conclusion
The evaluation of the first phase of the Choose Life strategy highlighted significant challenges and provided recommendations for future phases.
Supporting Evidence
- Choose Life aimed to reduce suicide rates in Scotland by 20% over ten years.
- The evaluation highlighted the need for robust evidence in public health policy.
- Challenges included the complexity of multiple stakeholders and outcomes.
Takeaway
This study looks at how Scotland's plan to prevent suicide was evaluated and what can be learned for the future.
Methodology
The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, including documentary analysis, interviews, group exercises, and surveys.
Potential Biases
Potential biases arose from the lack of control areas and the complexity of stakeholder interests.
Limitations
The evaluation faced challenges in establishing control groups and measuring long-term outcomes.
Participant Demographics
The evaluation involved multiple stakeholders from various sectors, including public health, local government, and community organizations.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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