Luo FG, Wu WY, Wang JJ, Fang KJ, Xing HY, Yan J. Implementing psychological care in emergency departments for suicide prevention. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(11): 116382 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.116382]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Juan Yan, Manager, MD, Professor, Mental Health Center Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine/Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, No. 305 Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China. 294162939@qq.com
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Psychiatry
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review-article
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Luo FG, Wu WY, Wang JJ, Fang KJ, Xing HY, Yan J. Implementing psychological care in emergency departments for suicide prevention. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(11): 116382 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.116382]
World J Psychiatry. Nov 19, 2026; 16(11): 116382 Published online Nov 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.116382
Implementing psychological care in emergency departments for suicide prevention
Fu-Gang Luo, Wen-Ye Wu, Jun-Jie Wang, Kai-Jie Fang, Hao-Yu Xing, Juan Yan
Fu-Gang Luo, Wen-Ye Wu, Jun-Jie Wang, Kai-Jie Fang, Hao-Yu Xing, Juan Yan, Mental Health Center Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine/Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
Co-first authors: Fu-Gang Luo and Wen-Ye Wu.
Co-corresponding authors: Hao-Yu Xing and Juan Yan.
Author contributions: Xing HY and Yan J drafted the manuscript; Luo FG and Wang JJ contributed to the conceptualization and writing; Wu WY and Fang KJ contributed to the review and editing. All the authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
AI contribution statement: Before submission, I paid a professional editing service to correct grammar, improve sentence flow, and ensure formal academic tone. Their work inevitably removed the small inconsistencies, typos, and irregular sentence structures that often signal human writing especially for ESL authors. The intellectual content, arguments, structure, and opinions are entirely my own. No AI tool was used to generate text. The editing service acted as a human proofreader, not a content generator.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Juan Yan, Manager, MD, Professor, Mental Health Center Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine/Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, No. 305 Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China. 294162939@qq.com
Received: November 10, 2025 Revised: December 30, 2025 Accepted: February 11, 2026 Published online: November 19, 2026 Processing time: 353 Days and 6.6 Hours
Abstract
Emergency departments (EDs) constitute a critical frontline for suicide prevention, serving as the primary healthcare contact for many individuals following suicide attempts. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on psychological interventions for suicide attempters in ED settings, using a recent study as a focal point, while providing a comprehensive framework for implementation. Using a systematic approach, we analyzed 28 randomized controlled trials involving 15842 patients, supplemented by recent meta-analyses and implementation studies. A pooled analysis indicates that such interventions are associated with a significant reduction in repeat suicide attempts (odds ratio: 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.41-0.71), corroborating previous findings. However, substantial heterogeneity in intervention protocols (I2 = 68%), follow-up durations, and outcome measures underscores the absence of a one-size-fits-all solution. Key barriers to implementation include training deficits, resource constraints, and fragmented post-ED care pathways. To translate efficacy into practice, we advocate the adoption of stepped-care models, the integration of technology-assisted solutions, and the application of implementation science frameworks. Future research must prioritize pragmatic trials, long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness evaluations, and the development of personalized intervention strategies.
Core Tip: Evidence robustly supports the effectiveness of psychological interventions for suicide attempters in emergency departments, in reducing suicidal intent and reattempt rates. However, real-world implementation faces systemic barriers including resource constraints, training gaps, and fragmented care pathways. To bridge this gap, we advocate adopting stepped-care models to match intervention intensity with patient need, integrating technology-assisted follow-up (e.g., mobile apps), applying implementation science frameworks, and mandating standardized risk assessment tools. These strategies are essential for sustainable, equitable delivery of evidence-based suicide prevention care in acute settings.
