This page has been developed with Zero Suicide Institute of Australasia (ZSIA) and the US Zero Suicide Institute and Education Development Centre.
The Zero Suicide Healthcare Framework is a continuous quality improvement initiative and system-wide, organisational commitment to safer suicide care in health systems. The framework is based on the realisation that suicidal individuals often fall through the cracks in a sometimes fragmented and distracted healthcare system. A systematic approach to quality improvement in these settings is both available and necessary.
To support health services implementing the Zero Suicide approach training programs can be found here.
What is Zero Suicide Healthcare?
Rooted in universal human values and based on scientific evidence Zero Suicide Healthcare is a worldwide transformative approach that aims for a shift of mindset in healthcare and society: from passive acceptance to active prevention. Its inspirational goal drives healthcare systems to continually improve the quality of care.
For those who turn to healthcare services Zero Suicide offers a better experience when feeling suicidal. Suicidality is discussed openly, treated directly and managed in a least restrictive, recovery-oriented way. As people transition through the system, no person falls through the cracks.
Zero Suicide Healthcare is not an isolated strategy. It is a complement to other community-based suicide prevention initiatives which will be running simultaneously.
Why is it important?
Globally more than 800, 000 people die of suicide every year. Evidence shows that many more suicides are prevented in healthcare systems which provide better suicide prevention care. Radical system transformation can drive down suicide rates to zero.
Who is it for?
Healthcare leaders are the drivers of the Zero Suicide Healthcare Framework and, within their system, protectors of a safe and just culture of learning and improving.
It is for all staff working in healthcare. Working in a Zero Suicide organisation means they are well trained and supported to provide excellent suicide prevention care; and feel safe to find and repair root causes underlying adverse events.
Last but not least, it is for all partners, for governments and politicians; media; industries and employers; public health and suicide prevention organisations; persons with lived experience and scientists. With their force, expertise and willingness they partner together with healthcare systems to move the needle and drive down population suicide rates.