Evaluation of Suicide Prevention Projects

Background

Swiss TPH has been mandated by Health Promotion Switzerland (Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz, GFCH), to conduct the external evaluation of four Suicide Prevention Projects. The four projects are aligned with the Action plan on suicide prevention, which was published by the Federal Office for Public Health and other stakeholders in 2016 outlining ten objectives to reduce suicides and suicide attempts. The projects share the common long-term goals of reducing suicides and suicide attempts in their catchment area, decreasing the number of rehospitalizations and improving quality of life for patients and their families. Three projects are based on the successful “ASSIP” (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) programme but differ in their target groups. The other two projects apply new measures. The projects intervene at the critical time point between in-patient and ambulatory care. Their activities address medical and non-medical staff as well as patients and their families using modern tools to ensure all parties’ interconnectedness and support patients’ self-management.

Aim

The external evaluation examined each project separately in addition to an overarching evaluation comparing inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact. Quantitative data using online surveys and qualitative data from structured interviews were collected to complement project-specific documents such as yearly reports and protocols from personal meetings.