Information and Communication Technology Use in Suicide Prevention: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in suicide prevention has progressed rapidly over the past decade. ICT plays a major role in suicide prevention, but research on best and promising practices has been slow. Objective This paper aims to explore the existing literature on ICT use in suicide prevention to answer the following question: what are the best and most promising ICT practices for suicide prevention? Methods A scoping search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, and IEEE Xplore. These databases were searched for articles published between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. The five stages of the scoping review process were as follows: identifying research questions; targeting relevant studies; selecting studies; charting data; and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. The World Health Organization suicide prevention model was used according to the continuum of universal, selective, and indicated prevention. Results Of the 3848 studies identified, 115 (2.99%) were selected. Of these, 10 regarded the use of ICT in universal suicide prevention, 53 referred to the use of ICT in selective suicide prevention, and 52 dealt with the use of ICT in indicated suicide prevention. Conclusions The use of ICT plays a major role in suicide prevention, and many promising programs were identified through this scoping review. However, large-scale evaluation studies are needed to further examine the effectiveness of these programs and strategies. In addition, safety and ethics protocols for ICT-based interventions are recommended.

Information and communication technology-based interventions for suicide prevention implemented in clinical settings: a scoping review protocol

“… 13 14 For example, there are 38 mental health apps available from the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store, and 11 of them are comprised of in-app crisis resources such as safety planning intervention (SPI). 15 Rassy and colleagues 14 have shown that ICTs for suicide prevention can provide an interactive, personalised and accessible way to reach various populations to identify and provide care to the individuals at risk. 14 Although more additional higher quality, randomised controlled studies are required, evidence to date shows promising outcomes of the ICT-based interventions for suicide prevention, including high acceptability from the patients and some beneficial effects on suicidal ideation.…”

“… 15 Rassy and colleagues 14 have shown that ICTs for suicide prevention can provide an interactive, personalised and accessible way to reach various populations to identify and provide care to the individuals at risk. 14 Although more additional higher quality, randomised controlled studies are required, evidence to date shows promising outcomes of the ICT-based interventions for suicide prevention, including high acceptability from the patients and some beneficial effects on suicidal ideation. 16 In clinical settings, on the other hand, it remains unknown which ICT-based interventions for suicide prevention have been implemented and are being delivered by clinicians.…”

Information and communication technology-based interventions for suicide prevention implemented in clinical settings: A scoping review protocol

“…There is a surplus of ICT-based interventions for mental health care, including suicide prevention. 13,14 For example, there are 38 mental health apps available from the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store, and 11 of them are comprised of in-app crisis resources such as safety planning intervention (SPI). 15 Rassy and colleagues 14 have shown that ICTs for suicide prevention can provide an interactive, personalized, and accessible way to reach various populations to identify and provide care to the individuals at risk.…”

“…13,14 For example, there are 38 mental health apps available from the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store, and 11 of them are comprised of in-app crisis resources such as safety planning intervention (SPI). 15 Rassy and colleagues 14 have shown that ICTs for suicide prevention can provide an interactive, personalized, and accessible way to reach various populations to identify and provide care to the individuals at risk. 14 Although more additional higher quality, randomized controlled studies are required, evidence to date shows promising outcomes of the ICTbased interventions for suicide prevention, including high acceptability from the patients and some beneficial effects on suicidal ideation.…”

“…15 Rassy and colleagues 14 have shown that ICTs for suicide prevention can provide an interactive, personalized, and accessible way to reach various populations to identify and provide care to the individuals at risk. 14 Although more additional higher quality, randomized controlled studies are required, evidence to date shows promising outcomes of the ICTbased interventions for suicide prevention, including high acceptability from the patients and some beneficial effects on suicidal ideation. 16 In clinical settings, on the other hand, it remains unknown which ICT-based interventions for suicide prevention have been implemented and are being delivered by clinicians.…”