Outcome Evaluation of a Multimodal Suicide Prevention Program Designed Through International Collaboration: Protocol...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• The Coopération Québec-France contre la Dépression et l'Isolement (CQFD-I) is a collaborative initiative between Quebec and France.
• It employs a multimodal approach to reduce suicide rates.
• Key strategies include a web portal, physician education, professional training, and postcrisis support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the CQFD-I initiative.
• To assess its impact on suicide mortality, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits for suicide attempts.
• To compare outcomes between implementation and control areas.

Main Methods:

• A controlled, segmented interrupted time series design will be used.
• Data will span preimplementation (2015-2020), implementation (2020-2022), and postimplementation (2022-2024) phases.
• Age- and sex-adjusted monthly rates of suicide mortality, hospitalizations, and ER visits will be analyzed.

Main Results:

• Data collection is scheduled for September 2027.
• Analysis is planned between 2027 and 2028.
• The study hypothesizes a 20% decrease in suicide outcomes at implementation sites compared to control sites.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to document outcomes of a multimodal suicide prevention program in geographically defined areas across two countries.
• It aims to provide valuable insights into international suicide prevention strategies.