Strategy, Planning, Policy Development & Analysis, Reviews, Evaluation, Curriculum and Training

Dr Battams has undertaken extensive research and evaluation consulting work in the fields of: mental health and suicide prevention, disability, carers, health policy and governance reviews, multi-stakeholder platforms and non-communicable diseases. Clients have included State and Commonwealth government departments, General Practice organisations, community sector NGOs and universities.

Services

Governance, Policy & Service Reviews

Experience as Project Director/Manager includes:

Clinical Policy Review (Open Arms: Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service) (2018-19)
Review of Governance and implementation of Legislation (NT Health Services Act 2014) for NT Health (2016)
Review of Transition and Alignment Arrangements between Adolescent and Adult Mental Health Services in Queensland (Queensland Health) (2017)
Comparative Analysis of Platforms Related to Non Communicable Diseases, (research and consultation project), Swiss Office of Public Health (2012)
Eatwell Be Active Disability Sector -Capacity Building Project, Health Promotion Branch, Department of Health, Government of South Australia (2009)

Strategic Planning & Needs Assessments

Projects which have involved strategic and business planning, needs assessments and service mapping include the following:

Baptist Care SA, Development of a Business Plan and Business Case for the NDIS Business Expansion and Employment Project (2017)
Review of Suicide Prevention Training for People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds (2016-17) (Queensland Mental Health Commission)
Early Childhood Intervention Australia (2017-2018), National Service Mapping Project. Mapping early childhood intervention services and best practice across Australia
Strategic Planning for the Adelaide Southern Division of General Practice

Research & Evaluation

Experience on research and evaluation projects includes:

Integrative literature review and recommendations on interventions to address social isolation & loneliness (Wellbeing SA) (2020)
Baptist Care SA, Evaluation of NDIA funded ILC project ‘Able and Deadly: Innovative Best Practice I providing NDIS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building to Support ‘Hard to Reach’ Groups (2019)
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. (sub-contract from CSIRO). E-Cigarettes, Smoking and Health. A Literature Review Update. (2018)
Monash University’s Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research, Impact of Client outcomes for Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe Victoria Clients (2016-17)
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University, Systematic reviews (2012-13)
Promoting mental health in South Australian communities, for the Health Promotion Branch, Department of Health, Government of South Australia (2009)

Curriculum Development & Training & Workforce Development resources

Curriculum development, training and workforce development projects include:

Review & development of the revised Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse & Neglect Training, Department for Education, Government of South Australia (2019-2021)
Training on Qualitative Research Methodology and Interview Methods, CSIRO (2019)
Program Director, Public Health Program, Torrens University (2014-2016)
National Centre for Education & Training on Addiction, Workforce Development resources (2010-2013)
Course Director, University of Geneva: Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview (First Massive Open Online Course delivered via the Coursera Platform) (2013)
Lecturer & Tutor, Public Health Program, Flinders University (2005-2009)

Case Studies

Case Study A: Integrative literature review & recomendations

In a recent project for Wellbeing SA I undertook an integrative literature review, an analysis and made recommendations on interventions to address social isolation and loneliness in the community, following covid-19.

Case Study B: Service & Policy Review

As Project Director at Health Outcomes International, a service review was undertaken to consider the transition and alignment between adolescent and adult mental health services in Queensland. I led a project team and consultations across 16 Hospital & Health Services in Queensland, developed a literature review, undertook triangulation analysis and made policy and service recommendations. This led to new structures, policies and processes for adolescent mental health services.

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Case Study C: Curriculum development and teaching

As Course Director at the University of Geneva, I developed and facilitated one of the first Massive Open Online Courses for the University, on the Coursera platform: Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview. The course drew upon the knowledge and skills of staff across the university and international organisations in Geneva who were presenters. It was considered a success and has subsequently run on a number of occasions.

Testimonials

Samantha Battams is the consummate professional. A clear and deep thinker, Samantha is adept in reconciling the helicopter view while paying attention to the detail in projects she has facilitated. Her intelligent approach to projects and thoroughness to completion is to be applauded.

Char Weeks, GAICD, Management Professional

Samantha has been Course Director of the MOOC entitled ‘Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview’, one of the first MOOCs of our university. Samantha was absolutely not afraid by this brand new environment and, since the start, had clear ideas on where the project should go. She cared about every detail and spared no efforts to make this project a real success. Her role was absolutely pivotal in this undertaking.

Pablo Achard, Head of Strategy & Foresight, University of Geneva