Large-scale implementation of the Zero Suicide model is associated with lower suicidal behaviors of patients under care, according to the findings of this 2021 study by Deborah M. Layman, et al. The authors used cross-section analysis to examine fidelity to the Zero Suicide model in 110 outpatient mental health clinics in New York over a one-year period. Data on suicide attempts and deaths were extracted from the New York State Incident Management Reporting System and compared to survey data from an adapted version of the Zero Suicide Organizational Self-Study taken by the 110 clinics. The result was an inverse relationship between higher fidelity to Zero Suicide and suicide attempts or deaths.
The American Psychiatric Association Psych News Alert "'Zero Suicide' Practices at Mental Health Clinics Reduce Suicide Among Patients, Study Finds" summarizes the Layman study. APA highlights suicide-specific quality improvement activities and lethal means reduction as two essential components of Zero Suicide fidelity, along with five other highly effective practices.
The Layman study is available in Psychiatric Services in Advance.