title: Management of suicidal and self-harming behaviors in prisons: systematic literature review of evidence-based activities.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze existing literature testing the effectiveness of programs involving the management of suicidal and self-harming behaviors in prisons. For the study, 545 English-language articles published in peer reviewed journals were retrieved using the terms "suicid*," "prevent*," "prison," or "correctional facility" in SCOPUS, MEDLINE, PROQUEST, and Web of Knowledge. In total, 12 articles were relevant, with 6 involving multi-factored suicide prevention programs, and 2 involving peer focused programs. Others included changes to the referral and care of suicidal inmates, staff training, legislation changes, and a suicide prevention program for inmates with Borderline Personality Disorder. Multi-factored suicide prevention programs appear most effective in the prison environment. Using trained inmates to provide social support to suicidal inmates is promising. Staff attitudes toward training programs were generally positive.
authors.affiliation: a Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention , Griffith University , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.forename: Kairi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kõlves
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Leo
mesh_terms: D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010379:Peer Group; D011330:Prisons; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012308:Risk Management; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012944:Social Support; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
keywords: best practice; inmates; prison; suicidal behavior