Abstract
Background Peer-led support models have gained increasing popularity in mental healthcare. Yet little is known about the types of peer support programs that exist in suicide prevention and whether these are effective in improving the health and wellbeing of people at risk of suicide.Method We conducted a systematic scoping review, involving a search of three academic (Medline, PsycINFO, Embase), and selected grey literature databases (Google Scholar, WHO Clinical Trials Registry) for publications between 2000 and 2019. We also contacted suicide prevention experts and relevant internet sites to identify peer support programs that exist but have not been evaluated. The screening of records followed a systematic two-stage process in alignment with PRISMA guidelines.Results We identified 8 records accounting for 7 programs focused on peer-led support programs in suicide prevention. These programs employed a range of different designs and included a variety of settings (schools, communities, rural and online). Only 4 of these 7 programs contained data on the effectiveness of the program, and this evaluation data was descriptive on all accounts but showed promising results. With the small number of eligible programs in this review our findings are limited and must be interpreted with caution.Conclusions Despite the increased focus of policymakers on the importance of peer support programs in suicide prevention, our scoping review confirms an evidence gap in research knowledge regarding design, implementation, and effectiveness of programs. More rigour is required in reporting peer support initiatives to clarify the underlying definition of peer support and to enhance our understanding of the types of current peer support programs available to those experiencing suicidality. Further, we need formal and high-quality evaluations of peer support suicide prevention programs to better understand their effectiveness on participant health across different settings and delivery modalities and to allow for comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analysis in future.
Return-to-work support programs for workers on sick leave: a systematic review and meta-analysis
