Strong Minds Program Evaluation
Western NSW Primary Health Network
The Challenge
The 2014 National Mental Health Commission Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services highlighted the complexity, fragmentation and inefficiency of the mental health system, and in doing so presented a strong case for reform. The Australian government response recognised the need to implement an ambitious plan for change to reduce the health, social and economic costs of mental illness and suicide for individuals and the community. The new approach to mental health funding includes a focus on person-centred care, with stepped care identified as a priority reform to support redesign of primary mental health care programs and services. This entails moving from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to services matched to individual consumer needs.
The Strong Minds program, funded by Western New South Wales Primary Health Network and delivered by Marathon Health, replaced previous psychological and mental health service models in Western NSW. ARTD was commissioned to evaluate Strong Minds, which aims to provide psychological therapy services for under-serviced groups, including: people living in rural and remote communities; children younger than 12 years; people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness; women experiencing perinatal depression; and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It also targets people from designated high-needs population groups (such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people who are at risk of suicide).
The Objective
The PHN sought an evaluation to determine whether Strong Minds had met its intended aims and objectives and to inform judgements of value for money.
Our Approach
ARTD conducted a mixed-methods evaluation drawing on a range of existing and newly collected data, including semi-structured interviews with Marathon Health staff, referral partners and other stakeholders, an online survey of Strong Minds clients and general practitioners, and quantitative analysis of Strong Minds referrals data and service and outcomes data for current and former Strong Minds clients.
The Impact
The evaluation showed the Strong Minds program reduced psychological distress of people with moderate to severe mental health issues, and that there were a range of positive outcomes for participants, including an improved understanding of their mental health, connection with relevant community supports, and re-engagement with family, education or employment.
Strong Minds was shown to complement other supports and services for people with mild to moderate mental health illness within a stepped care model.
The evaluation also highlighted many areas of effective delivery as well as opportunities to improve the program’s implementation and reach.
