A realist approach to the evaluation of complex mental health interventions

Craig Duncan; Scott Weich; Sarah-Jane Fenton; Liz Twigg; Graham Moon; Jason Madan; Swaran Singh; David Crepaz-keay; Helen Parsons; Kamaldeep Bhui

doi:10.1192/bjp.2018.96

A realist approach to the evaluation of complex mental health interventions

Craig Duncan, Scott Weich, Sarah-Jane Fenton, Liz Twigg, Graham Moon, Jason Madan, Swaran Singh, David Crepaz-keay, Helen Parsons, Kamaldeep Bhui

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Abstract

Conventional approaches to evidence in which RCTs are prioritised appear increasingly inadequate for the evaluation of complex mental health interventions. By focusing on causal mechanisms and understanding the complex interactions between interventions, patients and contexts, realist approaches offer alternative ways of generating transferrable knowledge. While it has been suggested that the two approaches might be combined in realist RCTs, substantial barriers remain.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	451-453
Journal	British Journal of Psychiatry
Volume	213
Issue number	2
Early online date	20 Jul 2018
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2018.96
Publication status	Published - 1 Aug 2018

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10.1192/bjp.2018.96

A realist approach to the evaluation
This article has been published in a revised form in British Journal of Psychiatry https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2018.96. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2018.
Accepted author manuscript (Post-print), 561 KB

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/realist-approach-to-the-evaluation-of-complex-mental-health-interventions/4A192E4ECA8813C2C42497E5E6732387

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A realist approach to the evaluation of complex mental health interventions

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