Measuring the outcomes of support after suicide: A modified Delphi study

Measuring the outcomes associated with suicide bereavement support is complex, which may have contributed to, and is further compounded by, a lack of guidance in the literature. Implementing outcome measures in suicide bereavement support requires a thoughtful and informed approach; a key consideration is ensuring that the tools used are appropriate and that the process adheres to best practices. In response to the limited guidance in the literature, we applied the Delphi methodology to evaluate the appropriateness of commonly used outcome measurement tools and the relevance of best practice principles from the perspectives of three expert groups: individuals with lived experience of suicide bereavement, postvention staff, and researchers in the field. Over three survey rounds, the majority of the twenty-four standardized outcome measure tools reviewed by the participants (final participants n = 283) met a priori consensus criteria and were deemed appropriate. The analysis of the endorsed statements highlighted that Delphi participants valued outcome measures for tracking individual progress, promoting a holistic approach, and being able to detect risk. Conversely, participants rejected the use of outcome measures as tools for auditing or performance evaluation purposes. These findings offer valuable guidance for postvention services aiming to implement outcome measurement into their practices effectively.