Establishing core domains in suicide postvention: a Delphi study in Chile - Report - MDSpire

Establishing core domains in suicide postvention: a Delphi study in Chile

  • By

  • Álvaro Jiménez-Molina

  • Thiare Barrera

  • Stefanella Costa-Cordella

  • Graciela Rojas

  • Vania Martínez

  • Paulina del Río

  • Marta Silva

  • Daniel Núñez

  • June 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Identifying Essential Domains in Suicide Postvention: A Delphi Study Conducted in Chile

Overview

This study identifies core domains for suicide postvention in Chile through expert consensus. The findings aim to inform a recommendation guide and training program for healthcare professionals, addressing a critical gap in postvention support.

Background

Suicide is a significant public health issue, with a substantial number of individuals affected by suicide deaths each year. Effective postvention strategies are essential for mitigating the risk of subsequent suicidal behavior among those exposed to suicide. However, there is a lack of standardized protocols and training frameworks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Chile.

Data Highlights

Core DomainsDescription
1Impact of suicide and foundations of postvention
2Preparedness and immediate response, including safe communication
3Ongoing response, accompaniment, and recovery
4Postvention in specific settings (education, workplace, health services)
5Long-term follow-up and prevention

Key Findings

  • Consensus was reached on five core domains essential for suicide postvention.
  • The Delphi panel included 28 experts from various backgrounds, achieving 89% retention across two rounds.
  • Participants emphasized the need for early accompaniment within days post-suicide.
  • Integration of survivor testimonies was highlighted as crucial for effective postvention.
  • Concise online training modules are necessary to accommodate the time constraints of public health professionals.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the identified core domains to enhance their postvention practices. Implementing structured support and training can improve responses to individuals and communities affected by suicide, ultimately contributing to suicide prevention efforts.

Conclusion

The study provides a foundational framework for suicide postvention in Chile, which can be adapted to other contexts. This consensus on core domains is a significant step towards improving postvention support and training for healthcare professionals.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Álvaro Jiménez-Molina, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Establishing Core Domains in Suicide Postvention: A Delphi Study in Chile
  2. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Investigating Health-Seeking Patterns in Men with Previous Suicide Attempts: A Qualitative Analysis from Germany
  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Factors associated with suicidal ideation and behaviour: analysis from the national suicide prevention helpline in Lebanon
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Understanding the relationship between suicide-related stigma and suicidal thoughts through the lens of the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model of suicide
  5. Frontiers in Medicine — Factors of crisis and culture in international and Chinese death education research: a comparative bibliometric analysis
  6. WHO - Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, and Mental Health
  7. CDC - Guidelines for Reporting a Suicide Cluster
  8. NCBI Bookshelf - Evidence of the impact on and views of NHS staff following a colleague’s suicide
  9. ESTAR Postvention Guide for Chile
  10. Frontiers | Establishing Core Domains in Suicide Postvention: A Delphi Study in Chile
  11. Effectiveness of suicide postvention service models and guidelines 2014–2024: A scoping review - ScienceDirect
  12. A Randomized Controlled Trial of an SMS‐Based Brief Contact Intervention for People Bereaved by Suicide - McGill - 2025 - Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior - Wiley Online Library
  13. Full article: Effectiveness and Acceptability of Traumatic Bereavement Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  14. The effectiveness of web-based grief intervention for adults who lost a loved one: A systematic review and meta-analysis | BMC Palliative Care | Springer Nature Link
  15. Implementation of suicide bereavement support: a scoping review - PMC

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