Effectiveness of suicide prevention programs for emergency and protective services employees: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: This brief report summarizes the international literature on the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs for protective and emergency services employees. Methods: A systematic search of 11 electronic databases was undertaken until June 30, 2015. Quantitative meta-analysis was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of these programs on suicide rates at post-intervention. Qualitative analyses were also used to identify program components that may be associated with reductions in suicide rates. Results: A total of 13 studies were included. Only six reported sufficient information on suicide rates to enable inclusion in quantitative analyses, however. On average, these prog..