Suicide registration in eight European countries: A qualitative analysis of procedures and practices.
OBJECTIVE
To compare suicide registration in eight European countries and provide recommendations for quality improvement.


METHODS
Qualitative data were collected from country experts using a structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
Suicide registration was based on the medico-legal system in six countries and the coronial system in two. Differences not only between, but also within these two systems emerged. Several elements crucial to the consistency of suicide registration were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
A precise model for recording suicides should include: an accurate legal inquiry and clarification of suicidal intent; obligatory forensic autopsy for injury deaths; reciprocal communication among authorities; electronic data transmission; final decision-makers' access to information; trained coders.
Värnik
Peeter
P
Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute (ERSI), Oie 39, Tallinn 11615, Estonia. peeterv@uninet.ee
Sisask
Merike
M
Värnik
Airi
A
Laido
Zrinka
Z
Meise
Ullrich
U
Ibelshäuser
Angela
A
Van Audenhove
Chantal
C
Reynders
Alexandre
A
Kocalevent
Rüya-Daniela
RD
Kopp
Maria
M
Dosa
Agnes
A
Arensman
Ella
E
Coffey
Claire
C
van der Feltz-Cornelis
Christina M
CM
Gusmão
Ricardo
R
Hegerl
Ulrich
U
D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003644:Death Certificates; D005060:Europe; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D011786:Quality Control; D012042:Registries; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014798:Vital Statistics