Table 1 The VigilanS program

The VIGILANS program:

VigilanS is a suicide reattempt prevention program that uses a multimodal monitoring strategy including telephone recontacts and postcard mailings by nurses and psychologists. It is proposed that people who have attempted suicide and are leaving an ED and should be included in the process. It is based on three key components:

1- A resource card is delivered to the people who have attempted suicide that provides the number of a help line that is available during working hours (9 am-6 pm) and that provides contact with a helper (professionals trained in dealing with suicidal crises and telephone regulation) who will be able to respond to the person in the event of a reappearance of suicidal thoughts and to direct them.

2- The person’s care network (physicians, psychologists, treating psychiatrists, home nurses, etc.) is solicited by sending a letter informing them of the system and the individual’s inclusion. A special hot line is also established for them to facilitate connections with the caregivers.

3- Finally, telephone recontacts are conducted during the first month after discharge from the ED and then at 6 months. These recontacts are made by health care professionals trained in the management of suicidal crisis.