RESOURCES FOR RESEARCHERS AND PROGRAM EVALUATORS

Principles of Suicide Prevention Effectiveness

There is limited information about the efficacy and effectiveness of any suicide prevention strategy. Yet suicide prevention efforts are ongoing around the world. Void of information about efficacy, we can work to deliver programs effectively by reducing constraints to program delivery. A number of principles of effectiveness from drug prevention strategies have been adapted for implementing suicide prevention efforts (see Box 1).

Unfortunately, very few suicide interventions have been thoroughly evaluated for efficacy and safety. Because suicide prevention programs have been implemented before appropriate assessments are completed, gaps may exist in knowledge about the efficacy, effectiveness, safety, or economic impact of specific prevention strategies.

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