Ahmedani, B. K., et al. (2025).
JAMA Network Open, 8(4), e253721.
Key Points
Question Is implementation of the Zero Suicide model in outpatient mental health care associated with reductions in suicide attempts?
Findings This quality improvement study of 55 354 to 451 837 individuals per month aged 13 years or older found that implementation of the Zero Suicide model was associated with a reduction in suicide attempt rates in 3 of 4 health systems, while the fourth system experienced a lower sustained rate. Two systems that implemented the model before the observation period maintained low or declining rates.
Meaning Findings from this study support implementation of the Zero Suicide model in outpatient mental health care.
Abstract (partial)
Importance Suicide is a major public health concern, and as most individuals have contact with health care practitioners before suicide, health systems are essential for suicide prevention. The Zero Suicide (ZS) model is the recommended approach for suicide prevention in health systems, but more evidence is needed to support its widespread adoption.
Objective To examine suicide attempt rates associated with implementation of the ZS model in outpatient mental health care within 6 US health systems.
Conclusions and Relevance In this quality improvement study, ZS model implementation was associated with a reduction in suicide attempt rates among patients accessing outpatient mental health care at most study sites, which supports widespread efforts to implement the ZS model in these settings within US health systems.
The study is linked above.
Here are some thoughts:
This study examined the impact of the Zero Suicide (ZS) model on suicide attempt rates within outpatient mental health care settings across six U.S. health systems. The ZS model, a recommended approach for suicide prevention in health systems, was implemented in four of the health systems during the study period, while the other two had already adopted the model prior to the study.
The study found that the implementation of the ZS model was associated with a reduction in suicide attempt rates in three of the four health systems that implemented the model during the study period. The fourth system showed a sustained lower rate of suicide attempts following implementation. The two health systems that had implemented the ZS model before the study period maintained low or declining rates of suicide attempts.
This research is important for psychologists because it provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of the ZS model in reducing suicide attempts in outpatient mental health care settings. Given that suicide is a major public health concern and that a large proportion of individuals who attempt suicide have had contact with the health system prior to their attempt, the study's findings highlight the critical role of health systems in suicide prevention. The results of this study support the implementation of the ZS model in outpatient mental health care.
