Evaluating rail suicide prevention measures

There are many examples of rail suicide prevention measures (physical measures such as fencing, training to help people know what to do if they suspect that someone may be contemplating suicide, technological surveillance... [ view full abstract ]

There are many examples of rail suicide prevention measures (physical measures such as fencing, training to help people know what to do if they suspect that someone may be contemplating suicide, technological surveillance systems to identify the presence of people in an area where they should not be). Often, these are implemented in response to a number of incidents that occur at a location. In many cases a solution is applied without considering how to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention.  Even where it is recognised that better data are needed, staff may not know what to do to carry out thorough evaluation in real world contexts. 

This paper provides an overview of a programme to produce a simple evaluation framework for use by industry staff to collect better data to evaluate rail suicide prevention measures.  The work has been developed in conjunction with Network Rail to respond to a perceived industry need for clear guidance and relevant research resources to support evaluation activities.

The programme has included the following elements:

• In depth review of an example intervention, in this case blue lighting at stations. This is used as a case study to understand important considerations in planning and implementing a safety intervention and how this has been applied at various stations in the UK.

• Development and preliminary testing of an evaluation framework. This is based around current theory on evaluation, with requirements in this project to produce an instrument that is simple to use, considering both the implementation and effectiveness of the safety measure. A simple six step evaluation process was developed and tested in a workshop setting with a sample of industry staff.

• Support for use of the framework by industry staff in a set of pilot initiatives.  This included the development of relevant research resources (e.g. interview question sets, observation protocols) and provision of support for the industry in collecting and interpreting findings from data collection exercises in a number of pilot studies (Blue lighting, Smart CCTV and talking signs).

• Strategic planning for wider application of the framework.  This included consultation with senior industry staff and review of findings from the data collection exercises to prepare a roadmap for future development and implementation of the new evaluation tool.

Commentary is provided on essential aspects of the framework and learning points from each of the elements of the programme.  This includes discussion on barriers that have been encountered in applying this type of participatory project within this industry setting, principally around difficulties securing the necessary commitment of time from industry staff to provide the support and information that is needed.

In conclusion, this programme has produced and tested a simple evaluation framework and associated guidance and resources, providing a structured approach for collection of better data for the evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of rail suicide prevention measures.    There is now a clearer vision for better evaluation activities in the industry, but there are a number of challenges that remain in implementing these successfully across the industry.