4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

Collaborative Practice and Policy
There is a value in developing relationships and building in evaluation from the
beginning. The policies and procedures of individual organisations are important,
and if they can be married to, or influence, government policy this would be
important. One group suggested that all project evaluations could be
amalgamated and a meta-analysis carried out. It was felt that it was important to
ensure a linkage between the terms of reference, objectives, outcomes and
evaluation.
• Under what conditions could investment in cross border collaboration become
more effective and efficient
Government and organisational policy
In order for cross-border collaboration to become more effective and efficient,
one group clearly felt that there needs to be a demonstrable policy commitment
at government level and not just a response due to the political climate. This
sentiment was echoed by one of the other groups which was of the view that the
value of cross-border work needs to be promoted from the top. A suggestion was
made that there should be a steering group at Department of Health level, with
representation from both sides of the border, who would set the agenda, ensure
sustainability and comparability of data collection and evaluation.
Another group pointed out that although cross-border working is currently
prolific in the border regions, most of this work is undertaken by voluntary and
community groups rather than statutory bodies. It was suggested that we need to
identify and standardise what works and then incorporate this into joint health
policy. Collaboration should be part of the core business of health organisations.
One group suggested that the National Health Census (in the South) could be
automatically collaborative and carried out in partnership.
Identified needs and access to information
Most of the groups felt that project work should be based on identified needs.
One group suggested that there might be a need for a cross-border body or
organisation to assist in the identification of needs. It was also suggested that a
central resource to access collaborative project information, to avoid duplication
and emulate good practice would be most useful. Similarly, another group
suggested the development of a central register of cross-border projects where
the details of work going on are available on an Internet site for all interested
parties. Information was seen as being very important but it is essential that
those involved in cross-border work know how to access this information.
Evaluation
Evaluation figured strongly in most of the group discussions, with many
reiterating the need for more evaluation of work done, evidencebased
practice, report dissemination and publication. Evaluation
is also needed to ensure that the objectives of cross-border
working are clear. Tied to this is the need for clearer aims and
67