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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 49(1)

An illustrative guide to a Policy Lab model: contributing to evidence-informed policies for digital technology in youth mental health care

David G. Baker A B * , Bridget Kenny A B , Sophie C. Prober E , Amanda Sabo A B , Matthew P. Hamilton C D , Caroline X. Gao A B C D and Shane Cross A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Orygen, Parkville, Vic, Australia.

B Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia.

C School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.

D Policy Lab participant.

E Det Sociale Netværk/headspace, Danmark.

* Correspondence to: david.baker@orygen.org.au

Australian Health Review 49, AH24222 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24222
Submitted: 14 August 2024  Accepted: 23 December 2024  Published: 30 January 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA.

Abstract

Objective

This article provides researchers with an illustrative guide for a workshop model that facilitates evidence-informed policy. The Policy Lab model supports collaboration between experts and policymakers; in the example provided, participants considered digital technologies with near-term potential to improve youth mental health care.

Method

The Policy Lab model uses structured workshop activities to explore a policy question, before narrowing the focus on potential answers. The barriers, enablers, and implementation mechanisms of potential policies are then considered. From this data policy proposal(s) are drafted, reviewed, and reported.

Results

Through the Policy Lab activities, participants identified two priority technologies and generated data to inform the formulation of two policies. The policies were focused on (1) using artificial intelligence to improve the personalisation and precision of youth mental health care and (2) the expanded use of integrated data to improve youth mental health service quality.

Conclusions

Evidence-informed policy is a collaborative process. To potentially influence policy requires timely engagement with policymakers and an understanding of the policy context. Researchers considering using the model are encouraged to include a range of expertise.

Keywords: digital, engagement, evidence, mental health, policy, workshop, youth.

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