Testing the efficacy of translating qualitative data to a quantitative system dynamics model to facilitate the implementation of co-designed interventions towards improved mental health outcomes
The Team: Dr Tari Forrester-Bowling, Dr James McClure, Stephanie Bennetts
In response to the critical challenges faced by Victoria’s mental health system, this research employs a systems-based approach to co-design mental health solutions using both qualitative and quantitative system dynamics methodologies. A collaborative research initiative between Deakin University, Barwon Health and the SAX Institute, the project aims to develop a system dynamics model of care transitions within Barwon Health’s Swanston Centre Acute mental health unit. This model will be used to test the efficacy of intervention scenarios and will be used as a proof-of-concept for future grant applications. This integrative approach is innovative in the Australian public health and mental health contexts, aiming to bridge stakeholder insights with data-driven analysis the research aims to develop comprehensive solutions for improved mental health outcomes in the Barwon-Southwest Region.
The team: This team is led by Dr Tari Forrester-Bowling (pictured above with her assistance dog Peanut), a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Health and Social Development and GLOBE (Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition). It has five further Deakin CIs and three external members at the Sax Institute. At Deakin, Dr Ha Le is a Health Economist, and Senior Research fellow, specialising in Health Economics based in the school of Health and Social Development.
Dr James McClure is a Research Fellow specialising in Stakeholder support at CHIME (Change to Improve Mental Health Translational Research Partnership) at the Institute for Health Transformation (IHT). Senior Lecturer in Social Work (School of Health), Dr James Lukas is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work. Alfred Deakin Professor Anne Peeters is the Director of the IHT.
Stephanie Bennetts is a Research Assistant and PhD Candidate at CHIME, and Andrew Brown is a Research Fellow in the GLOBE, also in the School of Health and Social Development. The team will be working Dr Danielle Currie, Principal Simulation Modeller at the Sax Institute, as well as Barwon Health.