From the Research
The Zero Suicide model is a comprehensive framework for suicide prevention in healthcare settings that aims to eliminate suicide deaths among people receiving care, and its implementation is crucial for reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life. The model consists of seven essential elements: lead (create a leadership-driven commitment), train (develop a competent workforce), identify (systematically identify suicide risk), engage (create suicide care management plans), treat (use evidence-based treatments for suicidality), transition (provide continuous care during transitions), and improve (apply quality improvement approaches) 1. Implementation requires organizational commitment, staff training in suicide assessment and intervention, standardized screening protocols, safety planning, lethal means counseling, and effective follow-up procedures. Some of the key points to consider when implementing the Zero Suicide model include:
- Ensuring all staff understand that suicide is preventable
- Establishing clear protocols for identifying and responding to risk
- Using validated screening tools
- Creating personalized safety plans
- Maintaining contact with high-risk patients during care transitions The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2024, which highlights the importance of the Zero Suicide approach in reducing suicide attempts among youths 2. Additionally, other studies have shown that psychotherapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be effective in reducing the risk of future suicidal behavior 3. It is also important to note that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may reduce the risk of suicidal behavior, rather than increasing it, as previously thought 4. Overall, the Zero Suicide model is a crucial framework for healthcare organizations to adopt in order to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life for individuals at risk of suicide.