Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Initial Monitoring Report and Monitoring Framework

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Strategy

Public Health Scotland have published an evaluation framework to guide the evaluation of elements of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. It provides a high-level description of the Strategy, describes the work undertaken to inform the structure of the framework, outlines evaluation theory and questions, and details proposed evaluation approaches

Monitoring and evaluation are distinct but complementary activities. Whilst monitoring work uses routinely-collected quantitative data to generate insights into emergent trends, it is important to note that this is distinct from evaluation activity as it does not seek to assess broader impacts, understand why observed changes are occurring, or explore what is working, for whom, and under what conditions.

Despite their distinct purposes, monitoring and evaluation are closely linked and can support one another.

Monitoring and evaluation activity can work synergistically to improve public health policy and programmes. Taken together, the quantitative data produced by routine monitoring, and the depth of understanding generated by evaluation work, offer opportunities for learning, adaption, and efficient resource use, providing a rounded approach that adds up to more than the sum of its parts (Figure 1).

Figure 1: How monitoring and evaluation can drive improvement

The two frameworks are intended to iteratively inform one another to ensure effective use of limited resources. The metrics identified in the monitoring framework have been aligned to the detailed evaluation questions where possible. The Monitoring Framework includes a detailed table showing where metrics used to monitor outcomes can also contribute evidence to evaluation questions.