CSO Suicide Mortality Statistics Liaison Group Meeting

Via Zoom

Wednesday February 16th, 2022 at 9.30am

Action Points

Present: Brian Ring, John O’Connor, Gerard Doolan, David Griffin, Suzi Lyons, Laura Galligan, Dr Philip Dodd, Kevin Kelly, Alice Wainwright, Prof Ella Arensman, Dr Paul Corcoran, Dr Cróna Gallagher, Dr Mary Flannagan, Eileen Williamson, Niall McTernan, Superintendent Aidan Minnock (An Garda Síochána)

Apologies: Jackie Hickey, Regina Ward

Action Points: Niall McTernan 

Welcome/Introductions

•  Eileen welcomed new group member Kevin Kelly (Department of Health)

Proposed change to the suicide category in An Gárda Siochána Pulse System

• Dr Gallagher suggested caution in pre-judging categories as coroner verdict and assignment of category may be different. Dr Flannagan indicated it would be safer to initially record method and outline circumstances for further examination
• Brian suggested that PULSE data could be a separate stream of reporting independent to CSO process of death classification
• Ella outlined the benefits of such data in terms of early identification of clusters etc and alluded to the use of ‘suspected suicide’ as a preliminary term until conclusion of inquest. Internationally, this term is commonly used
• John indicated that there is not a strong foundation in ICD codes for ‘suspected suicide’. Likewise, from a legal perspective.
• Philip stated that the intention of the proposed change was not to interfere with the death classification process, rather to provide real time data on individual cases that require a public health response, in keeping with international best practice. It would also enhance the data shared with the CSO in the C71 form.
• Philip suggested that a document outlining the need for the new system, what it is, what it is not, what it is trying to measure and where it fits in the overall process of reporting is drafted.
• Ella suggested that the document could provide basis for a briefing to the Coroners society
• Dr Gallagher indicated that the Coroners society could respond formally to such a document
• Brian queried if additional stakeholder engagement is required and alluded to the importance of all relevant stakeholders being aware of the process. Philip informed the group of the NOSP PULSE steering group, comprising of relevant public health stakeholders.
• Laura enquired about the death classification used by the CSO. Process outlined in note prepared by the CSO

Action points:

• Prepare document describing established need for new system, what it is, what it is not, what it is trying to measure and where it fits in the overall process of reporting, for circulation among and sign off by group (Aidan and Laura)
• Share membership of NOSP PULSE Steering Group (Philip) 

Document accompanying release of suicide figures 

• Ger provided a summary of the updated CSO summary note. Note to be updated on a yearly basis following publication of suicide figures
• Ger and Brian stated that while the CSO is conscious of false communication in relation to figures and the need to engage with relevant stakeholders regarding interpretation of data, the CSO tends to be very factual and cautious around commentary
• Dr Gallagher noted a difference in presented figures in the document and Coroner returns. Brian and Ger to follow up
• While noting the strength of the CSO databases, Philip outlined the significant evidence base in relation to the harmful impacts of sensationalised and inappropriate reporting, and the triggering effects of this, in addition to the need for sign posting sources of help
• Ella indicated that any publication related to suicide can be triggering for vulnerable individuals and suggested that reference is made to the WHO’s ‘Preventing suicide: a resource for media professionals, 2017 update’. How best to refer to late registered deaths should also be considered, as well as what datasets are being referred to
• John highlighted the tables available in the CSO open data portal and shared a range of different data including the late registered deaths yearly summary
• Brian stated that it is very difficult to control inappropriate use of data
• CSO would welcome the Group Members’ submissions on suggested additions/changes/amendments by February 25^th, 2022.

Action points:

• Review difference in CSO figures and Coroner returns (CSO)
• Prepare written response to Suicide Note. Deadline February 25th (All Group Members)
• Circulate WHO resource to CSO (Niall)
• Prepare updated note for discussion at next meeting (CSO)

Minutes of meeting held on January 18^th, 2022 

• Brian reviewed the minutes and action points from the previous group meeting held on January 18^th, 2022
• Establishment of subgroup on communications to be reviewed in context of updated suicide note. Consensus that it may not be logical or necessary if can be covered in main Group.

Action points:

• Overview of ICD11 codes to be presented at future group meeting (CSO)

AOB 

• Alice informed the group that the Department of Justice had appointed a new Principal Officer responsible for working with coroners (Donal Darcy).
• Eileen suggested that Donal Darcy be invited to become a member of the CSO Suicide Mortality Statistics Liaison Group. Alice indicated that he will be briefed on the remit of the group this week.
• Brian notified the group of internal CSO discussions in relation to engaging with the Department of Health regarding death cert completion.
• Brian suggested the group consider a face-to-face meeting later this year.

Action points:

• Invite new Department of Justice Principal Officer to group (Eileen & Alice)

Date and venue for next meeting: April 6th at 9.30am via Zoom