Purpose
The primary goal of the evidence informed practice review is to critically guide the development of the Suicide PIP Framework and Planning Template by examining academic and non-academic literature.-
Research Question
Which suicide prevention, intervention and postvention approaches have been shown among all populations to lead to direct or indirect change in suicide risk and behaviours?
The focus of the review is synthesis literature (systematic review, narrative review, meta-analysis, evidence based guidelines, evidence based strategies) and primary literature (experimental, observational and expert studies) in gap areas was also incorporated.
Progress to Date
We have collected data on suicide prevention, intervention and postvention reviews, strategies, guidelines and programs from 60 research review studies published between 2003 and 2008.
The results of the evidence informed practice review were used to assist with our understanding of best practice and promising practice for suicide PIP.
Key findings were:
- Among all 5 populations examined, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was highlighted as a best practice.
- Means restriction was highlighted in at least three populations as a best practice and two populations as a promising practice.
- Physician or health professional education was highlighted in three populations as a best practice and three populations as a promising practice.
- Promising practices found among at least three populations or more included: early screening and identification, family education, skills training, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, family support, gatekeeper training, phone counselling and risk assessment.
- Literature on postvention was notably absent and led to significant gaps in understanding of postvention practices that could be used.
- Media education was suggested as a potentially promising practice in postvention.
