SS01 - Bridging the Gap: From Guidelines to Action in Global Suicide Prevention

Improving Guideline-Based Care for Suicide Prevention in Mental Healthcare: An Implementation Science Approach
August, 28 | 17:00 - 18:30

Suicide prevention demands a multifaceted strategy for optimal efficacy, with clinical practice guidelines playing a crucial role in guiding mental healthcare practices. While guideline-based mental healthcare has demonstrated its potential to enhance patient outcomes and reduce suicide rates, the persistently low adherence to these guidelines in mental healthcare settings remains a significant challenge. Despite previous implementation endeavors, Dutch suicide rates have remained stable, and the variability in guideline adherence persists. This paper addresses the existing gap in effective guideline implementation by proposing a comprehensive study design for a large-scale project in Dutch mental healthcare. Aligned with the knowledge-to-action (KTA) framework, this study design incorporates the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the RE-AIM model to create a robust approach for improving the adoption of guideline-based care for suicide prevention. Each phase of the KTA framework is outlined in the study protocol, offering a structured roadmap for implementing and evaluating the intervention. The inclusion of CFIR allows for a nuanced exploration of contextual factors influencing implementation, while the RE-AIM model facilitates a thorough assessment of intervention impact across multiple dimensions. By emphasizing the amalgamation of these frameworks, this study aims to address the underutilization of appropriate implementation science strategies that may have contributed to the previous shortcomings in guideline adherence. The proposed study protocol seeks to enhance the uptake of guideline-based care for suicide prevention in Dutch mental healthcare settings. This research represents a critical step towards bridging the gap between guideline development and practical application in mental healthcare, striving to make a meaningful impact on suicide prevention efforts. The integration of comprehensive implementation science frameworks provides a systematic and evidence-based foundation for fostering sustainable improvements in guideline adherence, ultimately contributing to a more effective and responsive mental healthcare system.

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