Evaluating the Implementation of a Brief Contact Intervention to Enhance Suicide Prevention in Sweden: A Mixed-Methods Study on Feasibility and Effectiveness

Research problem and specific questions.There is a need to improve suicide prevention strategies in Sweden.

To address this, the proposed project will evaluate Uppföljningssamtal, a novel intervention that consists of supportive telephone calls delivered over 12-months with the goal to reduce suicidality in individuals with increased suicide risk.

Two studies are planned:   Pilot Study 1, will evaluate practicality and perceived helpfulness of Uppföljningssamtal through examining the following research questions:  1a: What are end-users’ feedback on Uppföjlningssamtal? 1b: How do staff who deliver Uppföljningssamtal view acceptability, and practical implementation needs?

Guided by these results, Study 2 will evaluate effectiveness (if the intervention works), treatment mechanisms (why the intervention works) for end-users and further implementation needs through the following research questions:  2a: Does Uppföljningssamtal lead to significant reductions in end-users’ suicidal ideation? 2b: Does Uppföljningssamtal lead to reduced hospital admissions for suicide attempts? 2c: What are the effective components of the Uppföljningssamtal intervention?  2d: What are staffs’ feedback regarding barriers and facilitators to implementing Uppföljningssamtal beyond the current project?

Data and method.Study 1 will use a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative questionnaires with qualitative interviews, to ensure comprehensive data is gathered from staff and end-users.

Study 2 will be a randomized controlled trial, where participants will be randomly allocated to Uppföljningssamtal or a control condition, as this is the ‘gold-standard’ method for evaluating intervention effectiveness.

Societal relevance and utilization.This project will add crucial insights into the implementation of a novel suicide prevention strategy in Sweden.

This does not only benefit individuals in need of support, but also wider society, by advancing our understanding of effective suicide prevention strategies; knowledge that can be utilized and built on, beyond the current project. Plan for project realisation.A 3-year project is planned. At the project start, Study 1 will already be ongoing, and will be finalised in 2025, whilst Study 2 is prepared.

In 2026, Study 2 will start, and remain ongoing until Sep 2027, after which results will be finalised to ensure timely project conclusion. Costs will cover the main applicant, a research assistant and intervention staff.