Best practice elements of multilevel suicide prevention strategies: A review of systematic reviews

Citation

van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Sarchiapone M, Postuvan V, Volker D, Roskar S, Grum AT, Carli V, McDaid D, O'Connor R, Maxwell M, Ibelshauser A, Audenhove Cv, Scheerder G, Sisask M, Gusmao R & Hegerl U (2011) Best practice elements of multilevel suicide prevention strategies: A review of systematic reviews. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 32 (6), pp. 319-333. https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000109

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.

Keywords
review; suicide prevention; depressive disorder; restriction of means; multilevel approach

Journal
Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention: Volume 32, Issue 6