Evaluation report: evaluation of an aftercare service model in a Aboriginal community controlled health organisation
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(Published version)
Date
2020
Authors
Muyambi, K.
Walsh, S.
Carter, M.
Gillam, M.
Jones, M.
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Report
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Abstract
The provision of appropriate care after a suicide attempt is important for reducing future suicide attempts and suicide deaths. A suicide attempt represents a strong predictor of future suicide attempts or suicide. Providing care after a suicide attempt reduces the risk of future suicide attempts. Typically, this involves providing immediate support in the persons’ chosen setting in which they feel safe. In addition to being cared for by people who understand the affected persons’ context. The Aboriginal Aftercare Service program commenced in July 2018. It is an initiative of Country SA PHN (CSAPHN) funded by the Federal Government as part of the National Suicide Prevention Trial. The program aims to prevent suicide by providing follow-up support for people who have attempted suicide. The Aboriginal Aftercare Service is implemented and managed by Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation of Port Augusta. In October 2018 CSAPHN commissioned the University of South Australia Department of Rural Health to evaluate the Aboriginal Aftercare Service. In this evaluation, we aimed to understand the effectiveness of the Aftercare Service and its service delivery model in reducing suicide. In addition, we were asked to identify areas of the service which worked well and areas in which the model could be further strengthened. We also sought to identify the potential for replication of the service model with other Aboriginal communities in South Australia.We established an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) to oversee the evaluation processes. The ERG was comprised of representatives from the local Aboriginal community, agencies and organisations working in suicide prevention which included people with a lived experience of suicide. We worked with the community in Port Augusta to codesign the evaluation planning processes to ensure local ownership and cultural safety. We prepared an evaluation plan that was collaboratively developed during a planning workshop held in February 2020. The evaluation plan provided a framework to help us understand the effectiveness of the service.