Implementation Science in Suicide Prevention

This study monitored the evolution of psychologists' (n = 31) conceptions of suicide prevention over the 9-year course of the National Suicide Prevention Project in Finland and assessed the feasibility of the theoretical model for analyzing suicide prevention developed in earlier studies [ Upanne, 1999a , b ]. The study was formulated as a retrospective self-assessment where participants compared their earlier descriptions of suicide prevention with their current views. The changes in conceptions were analyzed and interpreted using both the model and the explanations given by the subjects themselves. The analysis proved the model to be a useful framework for revealing the essential features of prevention. The results showed that the freely-formulated ideas on prevention were more comprehensive than those evolved in practical work. Compared to the earlier findings, the conceptions among the group had shifted toward emphasizing a curative approach and the significance of individual risk factors. In particular, greater priority was focused on the acute suicide risk phase as a preventive target. Nonetheless, the overall structure of prevention ideology remained comprehensive and multifactorial, stressing multistage influencing. Promotive aims (protective factors) also remained part of the prevention paradigm. Practical working experiences enhanced the psychologists' sense of the difficulties of suicide prevention as well as their criticism and feeling of powerlessness.

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Root Cause Analyses of Suicides of Mental Health Clients

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000328 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (5) ◽

pp. 316-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Donna Gillies ◽

David Chicop ◽

Paul O'Halloran

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicide Prevention ◽

Common Factor ◽

Data Collection Tool ◽

Related Factors ◽

Root Cause ◽

Communication Problems ◽

The Individual ◽

Mental Health Clients ◽

Imminent Risk

Abstract. Background: The ability to predict imminent risk of suicide is limited, particularly among mental health clients. Root cause analysis (RCA) can be used by health services to identify service-wide approaches to suicide prevention. Aims: To (a) develop a standardized taxonomy for RCAs; (b) to quantitate service-related factors associated with suicides; and (c) to identify service-related suicide prevention strategies. Method: The RCAs of all people who died by suicide within 1 week of contact with the mental health service over 5 years were thematically analyzed using a data collection tool. Results: Data were derived from RCAs of all 64 people who died by suicide between 2008 and 2012. Major themes were categorized as individual, situational, and care-related factors. The most common factor was that clients had recently denied suicidality. Reliance on carers, recent changes in medication, communication problems, and problems in follow-through were also commonly identified. Conclusion: Given the difficulty in predicting suicide in people whose expressions of suicidal ideation change so rapidly, services may consider the use of strategies aimed at improving the individual, stressor, support, and care factors identified in this study.

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Suicide Prevention Through Online Gatekeeping Using Search Advertising Techniques

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000322 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 267-273 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Hajime Sueki ◽

Jiro Ito

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Prevention ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Service Use ◽

Web Search ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Consultation Service ◽

Search Advertising ◽

Internet Users ◽

History Of

Abstract. Background: Nurturing gatekeepers is an effective suicide prevention strategy. Internet-based methods to screen those at high risk of suicide have been developed in recent years but have not been used for online gatekeeping. Aims: A preliminary study was conducted to examine the feasibility and effects of online gatekeeping. Method: Advertisements to promote e-mail psychological consultation service use among Internet users were placed on web pages identified by searches using suicide-related keywords. We replied to all emails received between July and December 2013 and analyzed their contents. Results: A total of 139 consultation service users were analyzed. The mean age was 23.8 years (SD = 9.7), and female users accounted for 80% of the sample. Suicidal ideation was present in 74.1%, and 12.2% had a history of suicide attempts. After consultation, positive changes in mood were observed in 10.8%, 16.5% showed intentions to seek help from new supporters, and 10.1% of all 139 users actually took help-seeking actions. Conclusion: Online gatekeeping to prevent suicide by placing advertisements on web search pages to promote consultation service use among Internet users with suicidal ideation may be feasible.

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Crisis Phones - Suicide Prevention Versus Suggestion/Contagion Effects

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000313 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

pp. 220-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Steven Stack

Keyword(s):

Suicide Prevention ◽

Contagion Effects ◽

Long Term Impact

Abstract. Background: There has been no systematic work on the short- or long-term impact of the installation of crisis phones on suicides from bridges. The present study addresses this issue. Method: Data refer to 219 suicides from 1954 through 2013 on the Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida. Six crisis phones with signs were installed in July 1999. Results: In the first decade after installation, the phones were used by 27 suicidal persons and credited with preventing 26 or 2.6 suicides a year. However, the net suicide count increased from 48 in the 13 years before installation of phones to 106 the following 13 years or by 4.5 additional suicides/year (t =3.512, p < .001). Conclusion: Although the phones prevented some suicides, there was a net increase after installation. The findings are interpreted with reference to suggestion/contagion effects including the emergence of a controversial bridge suicide blog.

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Sustaining the Effects of Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000304 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 102-109 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Annette Shtivelband ◽

Patricia A. Aloise-Young ◽

Peter Y. Chen

Keyword(s):

Suicide Prevention ◽

Community Outreach ◽

Program Improvement ◽

Further Education ◽

Research Approach ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Gatekeeper Training ◽

Prevention Training ◽

Continued Learning ◽

Suicide Prevention Training

Background: Gatekeeper training is a promising suicide prevention strategy that is growing in popularity. Although gatekeeper training programs have been found to improve trainee knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived skills, researchers have found that the benefit of gatekeeper training may not last over time. Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify strategies for strengthening the long-term effects of suicide prevention gatekeeper training. Method: In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with gatekeepers (N = 44) and data were analyzed using a qualitative research approach. Results: The results of this study suggest that posttraining interventions may be more effective if they include the following seven themes: (a) social network – connecting with other gatekeepers; (b) continued learning – further education; (c) community outreach – building awareness; (d) accessibility – convenience; (e) reminders – ongoing communication; (f) program improvement –- enhancing previous training; and (g) certification – accreditation. Conclusion: Posttraining interventions that incorporate the themes from this study offer a promising direction in which to sustain the effects of gatekeeper suicide prevention training.

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