Best Practice Elements of Multilevel Suicide Prevention Strategies

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based best practices for incorporation into an optimal multilevel intervention for suicide prevention should be identifiable in the literature. Aims: To identify effective interventions for the prevention of suicidal behavior. Methods: Review of systematic reviews found in the Pubmed, Cochrane, and DARE databases. Steps include risk-of-bias assessment, data extraction, summarization of best practices, and identification of synergistic potentials of such practices in multilevel approaches. Results: Six relevant systematic reviews were found. Best practices identified as effective were as follows: training general practitioners (GPs) to recognize and treat depression and suicidality, improving accessibility of care for at-risk people, and restricting access to means of suicide. Although no outcomes were reported for multilevel interventions or for synergistic effects of multiple interventions applied together, indirect support was found for possible synergies in particular combinations of interventions within multilevel strategies. Conclusions: A number of evidence-based best practices for the prevention of suicide and suicide attempts were identified. Research is needed on the nature and extent of potential synergistic effects of various preventive activities within multilevel interventions.

Suicide Prevention E-Learning Modules Designed for Gatekeepers

“…The principle behind gatekeeper training is to give gatekeepers information about suicidality so that their knowledge increases, and they develop the attitudes and skills required to recognize, guide, and refer persons at risk for suicide (Gould & Kramer, 2001;Gould, Greenberg, Velting, & Shaffer, 2003;Mann et al, 2005;Van der Feltz-Cornelis et al, 2011). Nevertheless, even when educational training and courses are offered, several obstacles may inhibit gatekeepers from attending them.…”

“…Although research regarding its effectiveness is limited, gatekeeper training is a promising tool in suicide prevention (Isaac et al, 2009;Mann et al, 2005;Rihmer, Rutz, & Pihlgren, 1995;Van der Feltz-Cornelis et al, 2011). The principle behind gatekeeper training is to give gatekeepers information about suicidality so that their knowledge increases, and they develop the attitudes and skills required to recognize, guide, and refer persons at risk for suicide (Gould & Kramer, 2001;Gould, Greenberg, Velting, & Shaffer, 2003;Mann et al, 2005;Van der Feltz-Cornelis et al, 2011).…”

A ‘systems’ approach to suicide prevention: radical change or doing the same things better?

“…3 This is because of potential synergies between individual components that, alone, have been shown to have only limited efficacy. 4,5 Although differences exist in the number and selection of core components in similar multicomponent strategies, a number of bestpractice activities have evolved to guide policy makers in the development of national suicide prevention strategies. Key points…”

Suicide Prevention in Mental Health Services—A Qualitative Study of a Web Based Program for Mental Health Care Staff

“…Systematic reviews show effective strategies to prevent suicide, although further studies are needed to evaluate key components, cost-effectiveness and potential synergistic effects of multilevel interventions [3,9], measuring both primary (reduced suicides) and seconddary (e.g., increased help-seeking and treatment of depression) outcomes. Education of primary care physicians to recognize and treat depression and the restriction of access to lethal means were identified as effective interventions [3,9].…”

“…Education of primary care physicians to recognize and treat depression and the restriction of access to lethal means were identified as effective interventions [3,9]. Improving accessibility of care is central [9]. Guidelines rule care professionals' work in clinical practice and the support and care given to patients [10,11].…”