J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2016 Dec;25(4):386-398. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2016.25.4.386.

A Systematic Review of Suicide Prevention Programs for Healthcare Personnel

• Hwang S
• Choi H

• KMID: 2365427
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2016.25.4.386

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to systematically review the suicide prevention programs for healthcare personnel to identify contents, formats, and strategies essential for effective suicide prevention programs.
METHODS
A systematic search using key words in English and Korean was conducted using 10 electronic databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, and RISS. Of 794 publications identified, 9 studies were finally included in this systematic review. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) was used for the quality assessment.
RESULTS
Of the nine experimental studies, seven studies used randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and two used quasi-experimental designs. Overall, suicide prevention programs were found to be effective in improving competencies (e.g., knowledge, communication skills, and attitudes) of healthcare personnel working in diverse settings. Limitations of these studies included a lack of rigorous research designs and reliable and universal outcome measures. Paradoxically, none of the studies were conducted in South Korea, which consistently has the highest suicide rate of all OECD countries.
CONCLUSION
Suicide prevention programs for health personnel can be an effective way to improve competency of healthcare personnel in preventing suicide. These findings will serve as a foundation for the development of suicide prevention programs by Korean healthcare personnel.

Keyword

Suicide; Prevention; Training; Health personnel

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care*
Health Personnel
Humans
Korea
Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Research Design
Suicide*