Distress Brief Intervention pilot programme: evaluation

13 Appendix A – DBI Theory of Change and Programme Outcomes

The following are taken from the Evaluability Assessment of the Distress Brief Intervention Programme in Scotland (NHS Health Scotland, 2017):

Distress Brief Intervention Programme: Intended Outcomes

Outcome 1: Pilot sites implement DBI levels 1 and 2 as per the programme design.

Outcome 2: Front-line staff in A&E, police and ambulance services, primary care who have undergone DBI level 1 training have the skills, competencies, and confidence to deliver a DBI 1 level intervention.

Outcome 3: DBI level 2 practitioners have the skills and competencies to deliver a level 2 intervention.

Outcome 4: DBI level 2 services have sufficient numbers of trained and supervised DBI level 2 practitioners to respond to referrals within the timeframe set out in the programme design.

Outcome 5: People presenting in distress (as per the programme definition) to A&E, police, ambulance services, and primary care receive a DBI level 1 response.

Outcome 6 :People referred for a DBI level 2 intervention take up the offer and engage with the DBI level 2 provider for up to the guideline of 14 days including, where the client agrees, developing a distress management plan.

Outcome 7: People receiving a DBI level 2 intervention who require other support are signposted to services appropriate for their needs.

Outcome 8: People who receive a DBI level 2 intervention feel less distressed and more able to manage future episodes of distress.

Outcome 9: The DBI programme provides a more efficient way of responding to people in distress who present to A&E, police and ambulance services, primary care, and other first response services.

Outcome 10: The DBI programme contributes to improved integrated working and local service improvement.

Outcome 11: The DBI programme contributes to an even more compassionate response across the public sector to people presenting in distress.

Outcome 12 :The DBI programme contributes to a reduction in the stigma associated with experiencing and seeking help with distress.

Outcome 13: The DBI programme contributes to improved population wellbeing, including to appropriately manage distress.