Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Best Practices Registry (BPR)?
The purpose of the BPR is to identify, review, and disseminate information about best practices that address specific objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. The BPR is located on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) website and is a source of information about evidence-based programs; expert and consensus statements; and programs, practices, and policies relevant to suicide prevention that have undergone expert review.
2. How is the BPR organized?
The BPR is organized into three sections: I: Evidence-Based Programs, II: Expert and Consensus Statements , and III: Adherence to Standards. A brief overview of the three sections can be found here.
3. What is the connection between the BPR and the SPRC/AFSP Evidence-Based Practices Project?

The SPRC/AFSP Evidence-Based Practices Project project was an effort by SPRC and AFSP to identify and disseminate information about evidence-based programs and practices related to suicide prevention. Between 2004 and 2005, 54 programs were reviewed by experts using standardized criteria. Twelve programs had sufficiently strong evaluations to be classified as evidence-based (either "effective" or "promising"). Although no additional evidence-based reviews will be conducted by SPRC/AFSC, the 12 programs previously identified are listed in Section Ib of the BPR. Subsequent evidence-based reviews will be conducted through SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) and listed in Section Ia of the BPR.
4. What is the connection between the BPR and SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP)? What about other evidence-based registries?
Evidence-based suicide interventions listed in NREPP also are listed in Section Ia of the BPR. NREPP reviews only evaluated interventions, and the NREPP review process focuses on describing the quality of the research and the intervention's readiness for dissemination. While it is essential that evaluated interventions be disseminated and adopted, the suicide prevention field also can benefit from sharing other types of "best practices," including (1) expert guidelines and protocols that summarize current knowledge, and (2) programs, policies, and practices that have been reviewed for accuracy, safety, and adherence to current standards in the field. The BPR is designed to facilitate the transition of research to practice by disseminating information about all of these types of programs and practices. At this time, the BPR is not linked to any other evidence-based registries besides NREPP.
5. Have all programs and practices listed in the BPR been proven to prevent or reduce suicide?
Not necessarily. Only Section I: Evidence-Based Programs includes programs and practices that have been evaluated and proven effective. Section III: Adherence to Standards lists specific programs and practices whose program content meets current standards in the field, but inclusion in this section should not interpreted to mean that the program has been proven effective through research. Section II Expert and Consensus Statements does not include specific programs, but rather recommendations and guidelines that practitioners should use in developing programs. These statements are based on the best available research and expertise in the field.
6. Am I required to choose suicide prevention programs from those listed on the BPR?

Some funders may require applicants to choose among programs listed on a particular registry or list when applying for particular grants. Check the requirements for individual grant solicitations to determine whether the funder has included this type of requirement.
7. Where can I obtain the materials from programs and practices listed on the BPR?

Each BPR listing includes information about where to obtain the materials, any related costs, and contact information for the program developer, expert, or agency.
8. Where can I obtain more information about creating and implementing effective suicide prevention programs and practices?

The "Taking Action" section of SPRC's website includes extensive links and resources for developing, implementing, and evaluating suicide prevention programs.

BRP Review Criteria and Processes

9. What criteria are used for reviewing materials?
Each section uses specific review criteria. To be added to Section Ia, programs must be reviewed by NREPP and meet their criteria. Programs listed in Section Ib (SPRC/AFSP Evidence-Based Practices Project) were reviewed using ten criteria described in more detail here. The criteria for Section II Expert and Consensus Statements) include importance, likelihood of meeting objectives, accuracy of content, safety, congruence with prevailing knowledge, and appropriateness of the development process. Section III criteria (Adherence to Standards) include items related to accuracy, likelihood of meeting objectives, and adherence to program design standards. For more information, see the Section III Application Guidelines (PDF).
10. Who reviews programs and practices for inclusion in the BPR?

To be added to Section I (Evidence-Based Programs), programs must be reviewed by NREPP, which operates independently of the BPR and uses reviewers selected by NREPP staff. The SPRC/AFSC Evidence-Based Practices Project, the source for Section Ib listings, no longer conducts reviews.) Each program or practice listed in Sections II and III was independently reviewed by three expert reviewers. BPR reviewers generally have advanced degrees and/or clinical or research experience in the field of suicide prevention. When possible, programs are reviewed by experts with specific expertise in that area (e.g., an emergency room physician would review an emergency room protocol).
11. Can SPRC/AFSP staff assist me in deciding whether to submit materials for review to the BPR or NREPP?
Yes! We encourage you to contact us for assistance in deciding whether your program or materials are appropriate for submission to NREPP or the BPR. We can also provide technical assistance for program developers wishing to submit their program for NREPP and/or BPR review. Please contact either Philip Rodgers or Linda Langford.
12. How can I submit materials for NREPP review?
NREPP submissions must be made directly to SAMHSA. Submissions must be made during an open submission period, which are typically 3 or 4 months long and fall at the beginning of a fiscal year. Open submission dates will be announced on the NREPP Web site and in the Federal Register. Interventions must meet NREPP's minimum criteria for review. For more information, see the Submissions section of the NREPP Web site
13. How can I submit materials for BPR review?
If you know of expert or consensus statements that may be eligible for inclusion in Section II of the BPR, please contact Philip Rodgers to discuss submission procedures. To submit programs, practices, or policies for possible inclusion in Section III, please complete the BPR Application for Review (MS Word document) according to the BPR Section III Application Guidelines (PDF) and email the completed application form and the materials to be reviewed to Philip Rodgers. If materials are available only in hard copy, use the mailing address listed on the application form. If you have any questions, please contact either Philip Rodgers or Linda Langford. They are happy to consult with you as you prepare your application.
14. How long will the review process take?
The total time from submission to posting of descriptive fact sheets for approved programs will vary depending on several factors, including the number of practices waiting to be reviewed, external reviewers' schedules, and the results of the review process. Upon receiving the application, BPR coordinators Phil Rodgers from AFSP or Linda Langford from SPRC will review it for completeness and, if needed, contact you for more information prior to sending it out for review. After receiving reviewer comments and resolving any discrepancies among reviewers, the BPR coordinators will provide applicants with summary of review results. For practices that did not meet BPR criteria, feedback to applicants will explain why the standards were not met and provide suggestions for addressing reviewer concerns. In some cases, changes to materials may qualify a practice for BPR listing with no further review, while other practices may undergo a second round of review. After approval, applicants will be asked to approve the fact sheet describing the practice prior to posting.

The SPRC is supported by a grant (1 U79 SM57392-03) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). No official endorsement by SAMHSA or DHHS for the information on this web site is intended or should be inferred.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is a project within EDC's (HHD)
55 Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458 877-GET-SPRC (438-7772),

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Best Practice Registry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About the Best Practices Registry (BPR)

BRP Review Criteria and Processes

About the Best Practices Registry (BPR)

BRP Review Criteria and Processes

Best Practice Registry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)