Role of the pharmacist in suicide prevention: primely positioned to intervene

Abstract

Suicide prevention is a global public health priority with approximately 800,000 people dying by suicide each year. As health professionals, pharmacists with further education can play an important role in suicide prevention as front-line responders and gatekeepers. However, few studies have focused on pharmacists as gatekeepers in suicide prevention. This report discusses studies that focus on the pharmacist's role, gaining knowledge, reshaping attitudes and increasing confidence to engage with members of the public in suicide prevention.