Optimizing Suicide Prevention Programs and Their Implementation in Europe (OSPI Europe): an Evidence-Based Multi-Level Approach

This paper presents the protocol of a European research project that will be used to develop an optimized, evidence-based program for suicide prevention. The intervention will be evaluated using a prospective controlled design with the primary outcomes being composite suicidal acts (fatal & non-fatal), & with intermediate outcomes being the effect of training programs, changes in public attitudes, & guideline-consistent media reporting. An analysis of the economic costs & consequences of suicide will be done while a process evaluation will monitor implementation of the interventions within Ireland, Portugal, Hungary, & Germany. (30 refs.)