Research and Evaluation

Researchers in the Government Health Department Analytical Services Division are responsible for developing and managing a programme of research and evaluation to assist the National Programme in delivering its vision. Work to support the implementation of Choose Life includes the following:

Independent Evaluation of the First Phase of Choose Life

A two year independent evaluation was commissioned in 2004 to examine the progress of Choose Life in developing a sustainable infrastructure, to measure and review progress towards key milestones during its initial phase (2003-2006), and to make detailed and staged recommendations to guide the next phase of the action plan. The evaluation was conducted by a consortium of researchers led by Professor Stephen Platt of Edinburgh University. The final report was published in September 2006. Within this is a Review of National Strategies for Suicide Prevention.

To view the final report, please click here.

To view a summary of the research findings, please click here.

The Scottish Government has responded to the evaluation findings which is available to download here. 

Pulling Together the Evidence Base

A three-stage process was launched in 2004 to ensure that service development and the implementation of Choose Life is supported by a reliable, relevant evidence base.

A scoping study was commissioned to identify how a series of reviews could most usefully co-ordinate the evidence base, identify gaps and inform thinking and activity in the prevention of suicide and deliberate self-harm.  The final report from the study is  'Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour: Establishing the Territory for a Series of Research Reviews'  (McLean, Platt and Woodhouse.)

Effectiveness of Interventions to Prevent Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour: A Systematic Review

The review (published 11 January 2008) provides a comprehensive overview of the known effectiveness of interventions aimed preventing suicide, suicidal behaviour and suicidal ideation, both in key risk groups and in the general population. The research team was led by Dr Maria Leitner (InfoTech UK Research) and Dr Wally Barr (University of Liverpool) and included academic researchers, clinicians and service user and carer advisors.

View the full report, annotated bibliography and  research findings here.

Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour

The review relating to the determinants of suicidal behaviour was published in December 2008. View the full report and the related SIREN seminar here.

The Epidemiology of Suicide in Scotland

This project was commissioned in October 2005 to provide reliable, and more up-to-date baseline information for monitoring and evaluation of suicide prevention policy implementation at national and local levels.  The lead contractor was Professor Stephen Platt, Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change (University of Edinburgh). Findings were published in March 2007.

View the Full Epidemiology Report here.

View the Key Research Findings here.

Evaluation of ASIST Suicide Prevention Training

ASIST is a 2-day workshop for anyone who wants to feel more confident in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. An evaluation of the use and impact of ASIST in Scotland has being carried out by a consortium of independent contractrors, led by Griesbach and Associates.

View the ASIST Evaluation Report here.

View the ASIST Evaluation Report Summary here.

View the ASIST Evaluation (Literature Review Annex) here.

Evaluation of ASIST in West Dunbartonshire

Choose Life, West Dunbartonshire commissioned an evaluation of ASIST to inform decisions about how the training should be targeted within this local authority. The full report as well as the Executive Summary are available to download here.

This work has helped shape the national evaluation of ASIST currently being conducted.

Small Research Projects Initiative

The Small Research Projects Initiative is an annual open competition. It supports innovative research projects that are able to contribute to advancing the National Programme agenda in one or more of its aims. Up to £15,000 financial support is available per project.

The initiative also aims to build social research capacity in Scotland. It provides opportunities for grant holders to employ less experienced researchers on innovative research projects.

In addition, researchers in the Scottish Government Health Department's Analytical Services Division give all applicants detailed feedback on their proposals, to support those with less experience of designing research projects.

A total of 22 projects have been funded to date, and summaries of completed projects are available to view and download.

For further information about the research and evaluation programme, or about any of the work outlined above, please contact:

Jonathan Wright, Principal Research Officer, Public Health and Sport Team, Health Analytical Services, Room BR, St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh. EH1 3DG

Tel 0131 244 2813 Fax: 0131 244 5412

jonathan.wright@scotland.gsi.gov.uk