Strategic Planning: Options Appraisal
About Options Appraisal
This a method used to make evidence-based decisions. It can help you consider both what practices are generally effective; and which models or "options" are suitable for specific geographic, demographic, and resource needs.
An options appraisal involves evaluating different ideas or models to improve joint working and support.
By appraising various options in this way you can:
- Gain a deeper understanding of how each model functions
- Move beyond assumptions
- Have good conversations about how things might work in your local context.
Options appraisals serve as a focal point for integrating a wide range of information gathered during a project. Such as policy analysis, data, local governance, and insights from people with lived experience.
More information about options appraisals, including an outline of different models of integration for mental health and substance use services, can be found here.
Supporting the protocol – how you might use this tool
When looking at developing new ways of working, in line with the Mental Health and Substance Use protocol, this tool can:
- Support evidence based conversations about different ways to integrate service delivery
- Help define models of care based on local priorities and need
- Provide a framework for decision making at the local level
Within the Options Appraisal resources, there is an outline and quick appraisal of different kinds of integrated approaches to mental health and substance use services.
This resource can be used to think about how to embed joint working practices at a service level. You can use the different examples of integrated working to look at:
- How you might fill gaps in support across services
- How different roles might enhance existing practice
- How service structure and formal relationships can help implement your local protocol
It can also inform new ways of working that can deliver on a whole system response to co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. Specifically, in how to establish clear roles and responsibilities across services in a way that supports collaboration rather than create new silos.