The objective of implementing a cost effective analysis on four arms of a schools based mental health intervention is to find the most cost effective way of detecting suicidal ideation among young people with the ultimate aim of preventing suicide. These interventions are as follows; a professional screening of young people, a question persuade and refer programme, an awareness programme and a poster campaign.

Cost data on the four arms of the mental health intervention is collected using costing questionnaires. Each cost relating to the interventions is recorded. The main focus is on direct costs, primarily derived from the personnel costs associated with the health professionals involved. A cost effective analysis will be carried out. This means that the costs of each intervention will be measured against the health outcomes of each intervention and a cost effectiveness ratio is calculated.

The interventions are currently being undertaken and therefore the costs have not been collected yet. However, instruments have been designed to aid in the collation of the costs. Once the interventions are completed, the costs and the number of young people reporting, and being treated, for suicide ideation is recorded. Preliminary results are expected shortly thereafter.

It is expected that the four schools based mental health interventions will detect cases of suicide ideation among young people. The exact numbers are as yet unknown.