CSART

'The simulation modelling that we’re using to inform our decision making in Tasmania brings systems thinking to life. It combines different systems science methods in an applied way, enabling us to quantify what will happen over time if we pull different policy levers simultaneously.

It brings together key stakeholders and different agencies responsible for implementing policies and programs. They get us all on the same page, guiding our thinking to see the big picture.

This is perhaps the greatest advantage of systems tools.'

'It’s a glass box rather than a black box, which is important in terms of believing the model…the thing that is important for me is that it’s robust, that it involves clinicians, prevention practitioners and academics in building the model, and locates the evidence to support the model – it’s credible.'

'The model is proving to be a useful decision-support tool. It is providing robust, substantive information that we can use to guide and select the most effective approach for smoking reduction.'

'It is an understatement to say that this is truly excellent. Over the years I have watched so many health-related projects unfold in our region that seem to have little or no basis in evidence, and that have instead been founded on somebody’s ‘good idea at the time’. It is refreshing to see that the evidence around suicide prevention interventions has been pulled together to help direct service delivery that maximises outcomes.'