Resources for Modellers

Engaging Healthcare Staff and Stakeholders in Healthcare Simulation Modelling for Research Translation: A Systematic Review

Peer reviewed: Yes. Authors: Zabell, Thea Simone and Long, Katrina M and Scott, Debbie and Hope, Judith and McLoughlin, Ian and Enticott, Joanne. Publication: Frontiers in Health Services. Year: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2021.644831 Method: A systematic review on simulation modelling studies with a health outcome which engaged stakeholders in model design. Message: There is a large gap in the current literature of formal evaluation of simulation modelling stakeholder engagement, and a lack of consensus about the processes required for effective simulation modelling stakeholder engagement.

Continue reading

Mental health: build predictive models to steer policy

Peer reviewed: Yes Authors: Occhipinti, Jo-An and Skinner, Adam and Doraiswamy, P. Murali and Fox, Cameron and Herrman, Helen and Saxena, Shekhar and London, Elisha and Song, Yun Ju Christine and Hickie, Ian B. Publication: Nature. Year: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-02581-9 Method: Commentary. Message: Systems modelling has potential to assist global decision-makers to make proactive economic, social, public health, and health system investments to arrest the COVID pandemic’s impacts on mental health.

Continue reading

Regional suicide prevention planning: a dynamic simulation modelling analysis

Peer reviewed: Yes Authors: Skinner, Adam and Occhipinti, Jo-An and Song, Yun Ju Christine and Hickie, Ian B. Publication: BJPsych Open. Year: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.989 Method: A systems dynamics model for 10 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in New South Wales that serve regions that vary in terms of population size, geographic area, population density, levels of disadvantage and suicide rates. Message: There is potential for substantial variation in projected reductions in suicide mortality if implementing a standardised state-based suicide prevention strategy versus a regionally driven approach.

Continue reading

Federal and state cooperation necessary but not sufficient for effective regional mental health systems: insights from systems modelling and simulation

Peer reviewed: Yes Authors: Occhipinti, Jo-An and Skinner, Adam and Carter, Samantha and Heath, Jacinta and Lawson, Kenny and McGill, Katherine and McClure, Rod and Hickie, Ian B. Publication: Scientific Reports. Year: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90762-x Method: A system dynamics model of pathways between psychological distress, the mental health care system, suicidal behaviour and their drivers was developed, tested, and validated for a large, geographically diverse region of New South Wales; the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.

Continue reading

Reducing youth suicide: systems modelling and simulation to guide targeted investments across the determinants

Peer reviewed: Yes. Authors: Occhipinti, Jo-An and Skinner, Adam and Iorfino, Frank and Lawson, Kenny and Sturgess, Julie and Burgess, Warren and Davenport, Tracey and Hudson, Danica and Hickie, Ian. Publication: BMC Medicine. Year: 2021 DOI: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-021-01935-4 Method: Using a participatory approach, and informed by a range of national, state, and local datasets, a system dynamics model was developed, tested, and validated for a regional population catchment. The model incorporated defined pathways from social determinants of mental health to psychological distress, mental health care, and suicidal behaviour.

Continue reading

The science of complex systems is needed to ameliorate the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health

Peer reviewed: Yes. Authors: Atkinson, Jo-An and Song, Yun Ju Christine and Merikangas, Kathleen R and Skinner, Adam and Prodan, Ante and Iorfino, Frank and Freebairn, Louise and Rose, Danya and Ho, Nicholas and Crouse, Jacob and Zipunnikov, Vadim and Hickie, Ian. Publication: Frontiers in Psychiatry. Year: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.606035 Method: Editorial. Message: Applications of systems modeling in mental health research and practice have already demonstrated value in providing improved decision support capability and a better understanding of the different ways even “evidence-based” interventions can play out in diverse systems and settings.

Continue reading

The National Mental Health Service Planning Framework: Where has it come from and what is its future?

Peer reviewed: Yes. Authors: Whiteford, Harvey and Diminic, Sandra. Publication: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Year: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867420963723 Method: Descriptive account of the background and application of the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework. Message: Decentralised regional planning requires the application of a planning framework that sets targets for the same level of care for all Australians with equivalent needs, accounting for the specific characteristics and needs of local populations and the existing services and barriers to care.

Continue reading

Systems modelling and simulation to inform strategic decision making for suicide prevention in rural New South Wales (Australia)

Peer reviewed: Yes. Authors: Atkinson, Jo-An and Skinner, Adam and Hackney, Sue and Mason, Linda and Heffernan, Mark and Currier, Dianne and King, Kylie and Pirkis, Jane. Publication: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. Year 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867420932639 Method: A system dynamics model for the rural and remote population catchment of Western New South Wales was developed. The model was based on defined pathways to mental health care and suicidal behaviour and reproduced historic trends in the incidence of attempted suicide (self-harm hospitalisations) and suicide deaths in the region.

Continue reading

Beyond prevention: which interventions will flatten the mental health and suicide curve post COVID-19.

Year: 2020 Type: Webinar Presenters: Hickie, Ian and Occhipinti, Jo-An and Sturgess, Julie and Iorfino, Frank and Lawson, Kenny and Hamilton, Matthew. Institution: Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney Topic: An overview of a number of modelling projects to help identify appropriate policy responses to the anticipated mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Duration: 1 hour, 12 minutes

Continue reading

What is a mental health systems model?

A mental health systems model is a mathematical representation of the systems (economic, environmental, service, social and technical) that shape population mental health. These mathematical representations can be succinct (a brief mathematical formula) or highly detailed (complex networks of linked equations expressed as large bodies of computer code). When applied to relevant data, these models can produce insights to help planners and policy makers address a range of decision problems.

Continue reading