The impact of a trauma-informed approach intervention or strategies for suicide prevention across the lifespan: A rapid review of the evidence

This rapid review aimed to review recent published literature and describe the current evidence regarding a trauma-informed approach or strategies for suicide prevention, the impact of interventions and or strategies, as well as barriers and facilitators. Systematic searches were conducted in eight databases and one website: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest Psychology Database, The Cochrane Library, Ovid Emcare, Ovid Nursing, JBI and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted with no publication date limit. This review followed PRISMA guidelines. Full-text studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded based on group discussion involving four reviewers. A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria. Results were screened by three reviewers. Critical appraisal and data extraction were also completed by two reviewers. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of the included studies a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Therefore, findings are presented in a narrative format. Also reported is one discursive paper of a study without participant data yet providing useful context on the application of trauma-informed care in schools. Despite most studies involving youth, with limited evidence for impact upon adults, studies did involve junior doctors and young Asian American women. Despite study heterogeneity and the many challenges associated with sustained trauma-informed approaches, there are promising indications for an approach that is structured, personalised, collaborative, strengths based and orientated towards promoting hope and reasons for staying safe and alive.