Psychoeducation for Suicidal Behaviors in Inpatient Settings: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicide is a leading global cause of death, particularly among individuals with mental disorders.
• Psychoeducation equips patients with coping strategies and enhances treatment engagement.
• Understanding psychoeducational interventions in inpatient settings post-suicide attempt is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review summarizing evidence on psychoeducational interventions for inpatients after suicide attempts.
• To synthesize findings on the implementation, feasibility, and acceptability of these interventions.

Main Methods:

• Searched major databases (Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, CINAHL) in August 2024 following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Included original articles evaluating psychoeducational interventions for psychiatric inpatients post-suicide attempt.
• Conducted a narrative synthesis of study characteristics and findings.

Main Results:

• Five papers (six studies, including two RCTs) were included.
• Interventions were typically short during hospitalization with varying follow-up periods.
• Psychoeducational interventions were generally well-accepted, but efficacy data is limited, focusing on suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and functioning.

Conclusions:

• Psychoeducational interventions in inpatient psychiatric settings show potential for suicide attempt prevention.
• Current research is scarce, highlighting the need for methodologically sound randomized controlled trials.
• Future research should explore psychoeducation's efficacy in non-psychiatric settings and long-term outcomes.