Suicide is a major public health issue with devastating consequences for individuals, whānau (family) and communities. Māori, males, LGBTQIA+, rangatahi (young people) and certain sections of the adult population are overrepresented in Aotearoa-New Zealand suicide data. Over the past three decades, suicide deaths in Aotearoa have generally increased and much international effort and research has been put into prevention, particularly at the general population level. Literature indicates further suicide prevention research is required, particularly for those accessing adult mental health services.
This presentation aims to discuss research which addressed the primary question: What strategies are effective in preventing suicide for adults accessing secondary mental health care?
The research questions were addressed by undertaking an integrative review of international evidence and a qualitative study. This presentation will predominantly focus on the results of the qualitative study which used an appreciative inquiry approach to individually interview 11 clinicians and held a focus group.
Four themes were identified for effective suicide prevention: 1) Ko wai koe, No hea koe? (Who are you and where are you from) referring to really understanding who the person is, 2) Providing a range of evidence based interventions, 3) Having an effective service structure and understanding that you're part of a bigger suicide prevention picture and 4) Suicide prevention mahi (work) is really important, impactful and staff need effective support.
Additionally, the study found for Māori, New Zealand's indigenous population, using tikanga (Māori customs and traditional values), cultural assessment, including whānau and matching Māori whaiora with Māori clinicians or services was effective.
The study concluded that a range of strategies provided by adult secondary mental health services can be effective in improving suicide prevention outcomes. However, suicide remains a significant issue and further research is needed to improve this situation. Ensuring services are adequately resourced, client centred, culturally responsive, and that clinicians have access to appropriate support and training are components that support services to work effectively.
Conference theme alignment - The presentation focuses on what's working well and highlights important future workforce development and wellbeing components
Lived experience - The study did not include lived experience participation. However, the clinicians interviewed, discussed their experience of walking alongside and working with people presenting with suicidal distress. Some staff also disclosed their own experience of mental health challenges, their personal experience of suicide bereavement and the impact of losing someone they had worked with.