Peer‐based interventions targeting suicide prevention: A scoping review

Abstract

Peers of individuals at risk for suicide may be able to play important roles in suicide prevention. The aim of the current study is to conduct a scoping review to characterize the breadth of peer‐delivered suicide prevention services and their outcomes to inform future service delivery and research. Articles were selected based on search terms related to peers, suicide, or crisis. After reviews of identified abstracts (N = 2681), selected full‐text articles (N = 286), and additional references (N = 62), a total of 84 articles were retained for the final review sample. Types of suicide prevention services delivered by peers included being a gatekeeper, on‐demand crisis support, crisis support in acute care settings, and crisis or relapse prevention. Peer relationships employed in suicide prevention services included fellow laypersons; members of the same sociodemographic subgroup (e.g., racial minority), workplace, or institution (e.g., university, correctional facility); and the shared experience of having a mental condition. The majority of published studies were program descriptions or uncontrolled trials, with only three of 84 articles qualifying as randomized controlled trials. Despite a lack of methodological rigor in identified studies, peer support interventions for suicide prevention have been implemented utilizing a diverse range of peer provider types and functions. New and existing peer‐delivered suicide prevention services should incorporate more rigorous evaluation methods regarding acceptability and effectiveness.

Scoping Review of Peer-Led Support for People Bereaved by Suicide

“…Three reviews were found that addressed peer-led interventions. One scoping review focused on peer support programs (excluding bereavement programs) that aim to reduce suicidality in people deemed at risk [ 21 ], and another scoping review focusing on describing the breadth of peer-delivered suicide preventions services and their outcomes, to inform future service delivery and research [ 22 ]. Bartone et al’s [ 19 ] systematic review focused on peer support services for bereaved survivors, irrespective of the cause of death.…”

Meeting the Unmet Needs of Individuals With Mental Disorders: Scoping Review on Peer-to-Peer Web-Based Interactions

“…This is in contrast to previous reviews on mental conditions, as they mainly addressed suicide prevention and dementia. Bowersox et al [169] conducted a scoping review on the function of peers in the prevention of suicidal behaviors. The authors concluded that peer-based interventions could play an important role in suicide prevention.…”

Informing and Sustaining Participation of Lived Experience in the Suicide Prevention Workforce

“…Existing guidelines for the training and support of mental health LEW [ 12 ] lack tailored components deemed essential to the training and support of the suicide prevention LEW, such as their ability to discuss suicide safely without increasing suicide risk or stigma, as well as their own safety in terms of suicide risk [ 13 ]. Furthermore, the skills required by the suicide prevention LEW for supporting those in suicidal distress through to those bereaved by suicide demand a nuanced understanding of impacts of suicide-related stigma and the shame, guilt, and other internalised negative experiences associated with suicide lived experience [ 14 , 15 ]. Specialised skills relevant to suicide prevention are acknowledged in the National Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Development Guidelines as being challenging to implement [ 6 ].…”