SIPHER Director Professor Petra Meier has worked with colleagues across the world to co-author this piece on complex systems modelling.
The authors describe some benefits of complex systems modelling and how it can be used to guide policy and practice. Additionally, they explore common misunderstandings of the application of the method in mental health and suicide prevention policy and planning.
Topics explored include, for example:
- The difference between population-level dynamic models and individual risk models;
- How participatory model building can help to uncover assumptions; and,
- The value in models for refining and targeting interventions despite uncertainty.