Suicidal ideation and suicide risk in Northern Ireland

Description of impact

This Impact Case Study provides an overview of the impact of our research on death by suicide following presentation to emergency departments in Northern Ireland with suicidal ideation. The case study was published on the Administrative Data Research Network website.

Who is affected

This case study has implications for individuals who have/or will experience(d) suicidal ideation, as well as practitioners involved in their care.

Narrative

The research revealed that individuals presenting to emergency departments with suicidal ideation face a tenfold increased risk of subsequent suicide death, with 12% of all suicide deaths having previously presented with ideation. Our analysis revealed several significant findings with important implications for public health and clinical practice.

Our research is actively influencing policy and practice development in several key areas:

Policy influence and knowledge translation
Findings have been presented to the All-Party Group on Suicide Prevention in Northern Ireland, which brings together Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from different political parties to specifically address the issue of suicide prevention. This cross-party group provides a crucial forum for MLAs to work together on suicide prevention initiatives, transcending political boundaries to address this critical public health issue. Members showed particular interest in the identified critical intervention windows and the tenfold increased risk of suicide among ideation presenters. This engagement has sparked important discussions about improving emergency department responses to mental health crises.
The research has already begun influencing clinical practice through its incorporation as supporting evidence in the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-related Ideation Operational Guidance document. To further support evidence-based policymaking, we are preparing a comprehensive policy brief titled "Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation & Suicide in Northern Ireland: New evidence from linked administrative data". This document will synthesise our key findings and provide clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers.

NICE Guidelines development
In response to the identified lack of standardised guidelines, we have initiated a Delphi study (a research method used to gather expert opinions and reach consensus on a specific topic) to establish a working group for the development of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines specifically for managing suicidal ideation presentations. This work aims to address the current gap in clinical guidance for managing individuals presenting with suicidal ideation.

Future research translation
Additionally, we are embarking on a new research project that will evaluate specific interventions and assess the impact of mental health assessments on mortality outcomes, including examining the effectiveness of the self-harm intervention programme and analysing the relationship between recommended next care and subsequent outcomes.

Impact status	Completed
Category of impact	Health Impact