Conducting a post-suicidal episode follow-up

It is important to follow-up within an appropriate period of time for the situation. However, this step is often overlooked and often, people with ID or ASD do not wish to re-discuss a MAAS episode once it is over.

The follow-up should be performed byt the clinical team providing usual care to the person.

Follow-up objectives as part of suicidal episode management

Verify that the MAAS episode has run its course and that it is not a transient fluctuation.
Enrich the understanding of the consequences of a MAAS episode and its progress over time.
Adjust the plan according to the person’s evolution
Verify the effectiveness of interventions performed during the management of the suicidal episode.
Show the person that what happened is taken into account and is important.

Observe: Sources of information and follow-up indicators

The Suicide Prevention Plan – Follow-up (SPP-F) helps collect the relevant information at this point. It is usually done a few hours to a few days after the initial intervention (e.g., implementation of the Suicide Prevention Plan – Episode (SPP-E). See Act: intervening to manage the suicidal episode):

Changes in the suicide-related manifestations (MAAS)
Changes in trigger events
Changes in current risk and protective factors

Decide: Decision made from analysis

The central questions at the follow-up are:

Are there any changes in the person’s short-term danger? Yes/no
Are adaptations to the intervention (SPP-E) necessary? Yes/no

Act: Adapting the suicidal episode management

Changes observed at follow-up allow to identify necessary adaptations of the intervention (SPP-E). The adaptations are meant to increase or reduce the close monitoring, adjust interventions and the intensity of the implemented measures.

For more details, refer to the document Post-Suicidal Episode Follow-Up.

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