A major study has produced a series of international expert recommendations on how to better implement suicide prevention strategies, marking a critical step forward in the global fight to reduce suicide rates.
Led by Griffith University’s Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) and involving 62 experts across 27 countries, the research focused on bridging the gap between research and real-world practice.
The result was a set of 82 expert-endorsed recommendations for designing, delivering and evaluating suicide prevention interventions around the world.
Lead researcher, Dr Sadhvi Krishnamoorthy, said despite the wide availability of suicide prevention programs, many were not achieving their full intention.
“We know suicide prevention is incredibly complex, but we also know that simply having good programs is not enough,” she said.
“It is important to understand what works, for whom, why and in what contexts, and that is where these new recommendations can make a real difference.”
The recommendations were split into six key pillars:
- Suicide prevention research priorities
- Practical considerations in informing and promoting effective implementation
- Approach to intervention design and delivery
- Lived experience engagement
- Dissemination
- The way forward
Suicide remains a leading cause of death globally, with the United Nations aiming to reduce suicide rates by one-third by 2030.
Co-researcher Professor Kairi Kõlves from AISRAP emphasised the need to go beyond identifying problems in suicide prevention, to improving focus on how they are responded to.
“These recommendations could help shape future suicide prevention policies and programs, especially in areas where resources are limited or where past efforts have fallen short,” she said.
“They have the potential to influence suicide prevention practices and save lives not only in Australia but around the world.”
The full research paper has been published in BMJ Public Health.
If you are struggling, support is available. Call:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 – lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 – suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 636 – beyondblue.org.au
