Reporting on Outcomes

Problem Gambling
Strategic Direction - Reporting on Outcomes

A key project for the Ministry of Health has been delivering a more comprehensive monitoring framework.

A Strategic Outcomes Framework has been developed to assist implementation of the Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm: Strategic Plan 2004-2010. It does this by identifying the outcomes required to achieve the strategy’s objectives and goals.

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Background

In 2007 the Ministry of Health contracted Research NZ to develop a public health outcomes framework for problem gambling. This project was later expanded to include outcomes for problem gambling intervention services, and a monitoring framework for reporting on progress.

The Problem Gambling Strategic Outcomes Framework contains the objectives and activity areas from Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm: Strategic Plan 2004-2010 (2005). It describes the hierarchy of outcomes/results required to achieve each area of an integrated approach to problem gambling.

The Framework also draws on the newly confirmed scope for public health in problem gambling. It uses the concept of a continuum of care (primary, secondary and tertiary prevention) that reflects the roles and responsibilities of multiple stakeholders at the national and regional/community levels (Research NZ, 2007b).

The outcomes document prepared by Research NZ (Problem Gambling Strategic Outcomes Framework) and accepted by the Ministry of Health in December 2007 was intended as an advisory document to inform Ministry discussion and planning for an outcomes approach to problem gambling services.

The Ministry and Research NZ identified at the start of the project that Research NZ was limited in its ability to consider and address outcomes for Māori, Pacific and Asian populations in New Zealand.

In February 2008 the Ministry discussed its progress on developing a problem gambling outcomes framework with representatives from each cultural caucus group in the problem gambling sector.

At these meetings the Ministry outlined that it would develop a draft outcomes framework from the advice provided by Research NZ. It was agreed that the Ministry would share this work with each group and fund 2-3 meetings to discuss the documents and provide feedback to the Ministry. This feedback has been incorporated in The Ministry’s strategic outcomes framework discussion document (PDF, 202 KB).