Bic • WPA

The BIC Project: A Global Initiative for
Suicide Prevention

Introducing the Brief Motivational Intervention and
Long-term Regular Follow-up Contact Program (BIC)

The Brief Motivational Intervention and Long-term Regular Follow-up Contact Program (BIC) is a global health initiative led by the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) in collaboration with the Swedish National Centre for Suicide Research and Mental Ill Health Prevention (NASP) at Karolinska Institutet (KI) and a WHO Collaborating Centre. Aligned with the WPA President’s Action Plan (2023-2026), the BIC project aims to improve public health outcomes by preventing suicidal behaviours through evidence-based interventions.

Why Suicide Prevention Matters

Suicide prevention is a crucial component of global mental health strategies. Historical crises have shown that societal stress and anxiety can lead to increased suicide rates. Addressing these challenges requires early intervention and continuous support, both of which are core elements of the BIC program.

How the BIC Program Works

The BIC program was initially tested through a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) under the WHO SUPRE-MISS initiative. The study included participants from five countries—Brazil, India, Iran, Sri Lanka, and China—who had attempted suicide and sought emergency care.

Key Components of the BIC Program:

Brief Intervention: Educating individuals on suicide risk factors, protective measures, and treatment adherence.
Long-term Follow-up: Continuous contact for up to 18 months, independent of psychiatric treatment.
Structured Support: Intensive follow-ups at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, with gradually reduced frequency over 12 months.
Proven Effectiveness: The trial showed a statistically significant reduction in suicide rates among participants receiving the intervention.

Expanding the BIC Project

The BIC project is now being expanded globally to reach more individuals at risk. Mental health professionals and researchers are encouraged to adopt and evaluate the methodology in their clinical practice while acknowledging the WPA.

This initiative is not only about intervention but also about understanding barriers to implementation and ensuring cultural adaptability across different healthcare systems. The goal is to build a strong evidence base for national mental health policies and practices.

Training and Resources

To support the implementation of the BIC program, we offer training and educational materials:

Training Manual & Presentation

Dr. Natalie Riblet, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, provides an in-depth training manual and presentation on the BIC study.

Q&A Session

A discussion between Drs. Natalie Riblet and Nuhamin Petros (Project Coordinator at KI and WPA) offers insights into conducting and evaluating the study, as well as fostering global collaboration.

Download the Q&A document here

BIC Study Protocol

For detailed methodology and guidelines, refer to the Protocol of the BIC Study.