A new study suggests that healthcare systems can effectively reduce suicides through patient screening, safety planning, and mental health counseling. This finding is particularly crucial as the United States grapples with suicide being the 11th leading cause of death in the country.
The study focused on the “Zero Suicide Model,” which was developed in 2001 at Detroit-based Henry Ford Health. This model emphasizes collaborating with patients to reduce their access to lethal means, such as firearms, and providing follow-up treatment. In 2009, the Henry Ford Health system reported no suicides among patients, showcasing the effectiveness of this approach.
Subsequently, the study examined the implementation of the Zero Suicide Model at Kaiser Permanente, a different health system, in four locations from 2012 to 2019. The results were promising, with suicides and suicide attempts decreasing in three of the locations, while the fourth maintained a low rate of suicides and attempts. The study tracked suicide attempts through electronic health records and insurance claims data, while suicides were measured using government death records.
Lead author Brian Ahmedani from Henry Ford Health noted that reductions in suicides and attempts reached up to 25% in some locations. This translated to preventing approximately 165 to 170 suicide attempts over the course of a year at the participating healthcare systems.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, affirmed the effectiveness of the Zero Suicide Model in reducing suicide rates, according to Katherine Keyes, a public health professor at Columbia University who specializes in suicide research. Keyes highlighted that previous research has shown that nearly all individuals who die by suicide had interactions with healthcare providers in the year leading up to their death, underscoring the importance of proactive screening and intervention.
Mike Hogan, a mental health expert who previously chaired President George W. Bush’s commission on mental health, emphasized the significance of federal leadership in addressing complex health issues like suicide. He praised the study for demonstrating that reducing suicide rates within healthcare systems is achievable.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the importance of implementing comprehensive suicide prevention strategies within healthcare systems. By adopting approaches like the Zero Suicide Model, healthcare providers can effectively identify and support individuals at risk of suicide, ultimately saving lives.
