Effect of synchronous remote-based interventions on suicidal behaviours: protocol for a systematic review and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death globally, with significant personal, social, and economic impacts.
• Effective suicide prevention is a public health priority.
• Previous research suggests active follow-up contact can aid individuals who have attempted suicide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy of distance suicide prevention strategies.
• To investigate interventions using synchronous technology-based methods for suicide prevention.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Comprehensive literature search across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science (April 2022).
• Inclusion of English and Spanish publications using keywords related to suicide, follow-up, and synchronous remote interventions (telehealth, telephone, video-conference, text message).
• Independent screening, selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment by two reviewers.
• Qualitative and quantitative synthesis, including narrative synthesis and meta-analysis where data permit.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize findings from existing studies on technology-based suicide prevention.
• Quantitative meta-analysis will be performed if sufficient data are available.
• Results will be presented in a comprehensive table and narrative synthesis.

Conclusions:

• The findings will inform the effectiveness of remote, synchronous interventions for suicide prevention.
• This review aims to guide public health strategies and clinical practice in utilizing technology for suicide prevention.
• Dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications and broad outreach.