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Hill NTM, Walker R, Andriessen K, Bouras H, Tan SR, Amaratia P, Woolard A, Strauss P, Perry Y, Lin A. Reach and perceived effectiveness of a community-led active outreach postvention intervention for people bereaved by suicide. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1040323. [PMID: 36620290 PMCID: PMC9815599 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1040323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postvention is a core component of suicide prevention strategies, internationally. However, the types of supports provided to people impacted by suicide vary widely. This study examines the perceived effectiveness of the Primary Care Navigator (PCN) model for people bereaved by suicide. The PCN model was implemented in response to a suicide cluster. It is an active outreach postvention intervention, initiated by police in response to a suspected suicide and links individuals to support in the immediate aftermath of their loss. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional mixed methods approach was used to (1) identify the reach of the PCN model, (2) describe the type of support provided to people bereaved by a suspected suicide and (3) identify the perceived effectiveness of the PCN model from the perspective of WA police, postvention stakeholders and individuals bereaved by suicide. Quantitative data was used to examine the characteristics of suicide in the region, the characteristics of people who received bereavement support, and the types of support that were provided. Interviews with police, postvention stakeholders, and people bereaved by a suspected suicide were conducted to identify the perceived effectiveness of the intervention. Results Between 1 January 2019 and 31 March 2021 there were 80 suspected suicides. Active outreach was provided to 347 bereaved individuals via the PCN model. Just under half of those who were offered outreach accepted further support (N = 164) in the form of suicide bereavement information (98%), mental health or clinical support (49.6%), specialized postvention counseling (38.4%), financial assistance (16%) and assistance with meals (16%), followed by housing assistance (14%) and referral to community services (11%). Police, stakeholders, and people with lived experience of a suspected suicide perceived the PCN model to be effective at connecting them to the community, linking people to support, and preventing suicide. Conclusion The results provide evidence supporting the perceived effectiveness of an active outreach approach to postvention that provides acute support to people bereaved by suicide. Findings highlight important practical areas of support such as providing referral pathways and information on grief and suicide loss in the immediate aftermath of a suicide loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T. M. Hill
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia,Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia,*Correspondence: Nicole T. M. Hill
| | - Roz Walker
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia,Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia,School of Indigenous Studies, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Karl Andriessen
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamza Bouras
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Shawn R. Tan
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Alix Woolard
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia,Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Penelope Strauss
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Yael Perry
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia,Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia,Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Doyle M, Ainsworth P, Boul S, Lee D. Evaluation of a System for Real-Time Surveillance of Suicide in England. CRISIS 2022. [PMID: 35984087 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Access to timely data on suicide is crucial to support suicide prevention. A real-time suicide surveillance (RTSS) system enables public health teams and allied agencies to review information following suicides promptly and take action quickly. Aims: The aim of this paper was to report on an evaluation of an RTSS system in South Yorkshire, England. Method: The system was reviewed, and outcome data were analyzed for 2019 and 2020 based on recorded suspected suicides, a stakeholder focus group, evaluation of postvention bereavement service outcomes, and lessons learned. Results: The benefits of RTSS included rapid response to emerging trends, identifying clusters, effective bereavement support, information to inform measures to mitigate risk, and supporting evaluation of interventions. The challenges faced included limited resources, data quality, consistency across places, and linkages with coronial processes. Limitations: This was an evaluation of one RTSS system based on routinely collected data covering one area, South Yorkshire, and hence some data limitations, and direct comparison with other services or against a control group was not possible. Conclusion: The RTSS system has led to better support for suicidal people and a responsive, timely, and effective service for those bereaved by suicide, all of which are likely to lead to enhanced well-being and community resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Doyle
- Department of Nursing, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK
| | | | - Sarah Boul
- NHS England and Improvement in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, Sheffield, UK
| | - Diane Lee
- Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Barnsley, UK
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Service Evaluation of an Exercise on Referral Scheme for Adults with Existing Health Conditions in the United Kingdom. Int J Behav Med 2019; 25:304-311. [PMID: 29143251 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-017-9699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper outlines a service evaluation of an exercise referral scheme for adults suffering from a variety of physical or mental health conditions or who were deemed are at risk of developing such conditions. The evaluation aimed to assess the impact of the scheme at increasing physical activity and at reducing BMI and waist circumference. METHOD This was a retrospective evaluation looking at levels of physical activity and changes to anthropometric measures over a period of 6 months. Each participant self-reported their levels of physical activity for the previous 7 days at three time points: baseline (T1), at 12-week exit from the scheme (T2), and at 6-month follow-up (T3). Waist circumference and BMI were also recorded by either a health professional or self-reported at these time points. RESULTS Six hundred seventy participants were referred during the evaluation period, of whom 494 were eligible. Of those 494, 211 completed the 12-week scheme and 135 completed a 6-month follow-up. Significant increases in levels of physical activity were recorded between T1 and T2 and between T1 and T3. Furthermore, significant reductions in waist circumference were noted between T1 and T2 and between T1 and T3, and BMI significantly decreased between T1 and T2 but significantly increased between T2 and T3. CONCLUSION The service has proven effective at increasing levels of physical activity among participants and has had a positive impact on waist circumference and body for clients who remain engaged with the programme.
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