CSO Suicide Mortality Statistics Liaison Group Meeting
Via Zoom
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 at 12pm
Action Points
- Present: Brian Ring, John O’Connor, Gerard Doolan, David Griffin, Suzi Lyons, Jackie Hickey, Laura Galligan, Philip Dodd, Regina Ward, Alice Wainwright, Ella Arensman, Paul Corcoran, Eileen Williamson, Niall McTernan, Superintendent Aidan Minnock (An Garda Síochána)
- Apologies: Dr Cróna Gallagher, Dr Mary Flannagan
- Action Points: Niall McTernan with input from Eileen Williamson
Welcome/Introductions and Minutes of meeting held on April 6th 2021
- Eileen welcomed new group members Gerard Doolan (CSO), David Griffin (CSO) and Alice Wainwright (Department of Justice), in addition to Superintendent Aidan Minnock (An Garda Síochána) and gave background to the establishment and purpose of the Group
- Brian reviewed the minutes and action points from the previous group meeting held on April 6th
- Eileen noted that Miriam Joyce had reported that she had raised the issue of greater integration of information with Dr Emily Jordan, Head of the National Coroner Service Implementation team in the Department of Justice
- Jackie informed the group that there is no further update on the death registration consultation due to a range of challenges in recent months.
- Brian indicated that the CSO is now accepting RMF applications again.
Action points:
- Consider presentation and overview of ICD11 codes at future group meeting (CSO) – CSO is happy to present at a future meeting
- Follow up re letter to Coroner Frank O’Connell requesting access to relevant data on the C71 Form that would inform/support the most accurate assignment of the underlying cause of death by the Mortality Coders in the CSO (CSO) – later in the meeting, it was decided not to proceed with writing to Frank O’Connell at this point in time and to await developments with the proposed changes to An Garda Síochána Pulse system – No action required at this time.
Proposed change to the suicide category in An Gárda Siochána Pulse System
- Superintendent Aidan Minnock and Laura Galligan presented to the group on proposed changes to An Gárda Siochána Pulse System. Recommendation for amendments and subcategories outlined including:
- Self-inflicted deaths to include suicides
- Change in terminologies
- Re-categorisation of data
- C71 status to remain unchanged but more opportunities to amend in the future. New proposal will improve detail recorded in C71.
- During the discussion the following suggestions were proposed by group members:
- Consider including terminology in line with ICD coding so that data can be used by multiple agencies (John)
Links to common classifications provided:
https://icd.who.int/browse10/2010/en#/X60-X84
https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-
https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http%3a%2f%2fid.who.int%2ficd%2fentity%2f850137482
-Consider changing ‘motive’ to ‘manner’ and use the term ‘suspected’ suicide (Ella)
-It was noted that the information on the Pulse System is open to being reclassified and is never final
-Categorisation on the Pulse System is an evolving process as evidence in gathered
-Consider inclusion of ‘flag’ in system to advise those who retrieve data from the Pulse System re possible re-categorisation and amended figures (Suzi)
-Consider historic retrospective analysis opportunities (Suzi)
-Consider communications strategy/ response to a potential increase in suicides following proposed change (Philip)
-Consider implications for coroners (Philip)
-Consider pilot study conducting comparative research using Pulse Data, Coroners Data and Suicide and Self-Harm Observatory data in relation to real-time suspected suicide (Ella).
-Differences between data sets noted
-Consider the value of a limited range of terminology (John)
-Consider including terminology in training for members (Alice)
-The need for enhanced guidance for Gardaí using the new classification was discussed and welcomed by Members.
- Philip informed the group of a forthcoming HSE/Gardaí Data Sharing Agreement which will facilitate a more timely public health response to suicide
- Prepare draft proposal for circulation among and sign off by group, including final terminology (Aidan and Laura)
- Arrange meeting with Coroner Cróna Gallagher before next meeting at the end of February (Eileen).
Action points:
- Prepare draft proposal for circulation among and sign off by group, including final terminology (Aidan and Laura)
- Arrange meeting with Coroner Cróna Gallagher before next meeting at the end of February (Eileen).
Media attention on the most recent release of suicide figures
- Recent social media and newspaper coverage and potential negative impacts discussed
- Improved engagement between CSO, NOSP and NSRF re briefings and release of data proposed – proposal to establish a sub-group for this purpose
- Proposal to include information section explaining context of suicide statistics, including media guidelines, on key stakeholder websites
Action points:
- Prepare draft content for key stakeholder websites and future data releases (CSO, NOSP, NSRF) – CSO will update the Suicide Note and it will be circulated to the Members of the Group
- Establish a sub-group with the aim of facilitating engagement between CSO, NOSP and NSRF in connection with the release of suicide mortality data and information for users of the data – Perhaps keeping this function within the wider group will suffice and be of greater benefit.
Brief update on recent findings of the Suicide and Self-Harm Observatory in Cork and Kerry
- Ella provided the Liaison Group with an update. Briefing documents prepared by NSRF shared. Even though the numbers are small, an increase among deaths by suicide of older adults has been observed since September 2021.
- International research suggests concerning increase in suicide in high income countries following no change in rates during early part of the pandemic. NSRF suggests it is likely that we will see similar trends in Ireland in the coming months.
Date and venue for next meeting: February 16th at 9.30am
