RFA-Research and Training
RFA -What Is It?
RFA is a next-generation psychological autopsy tool aimed at learning from those who died by suicide, to identify unique risk and protective factors at the individual, community, and structural level. The RFA protocol uses collateral information gathered from three or more informants who knew the person who died by suicide. Using a conversational, semi-structured interview format, informants respond to the protocol interview questions, which leads to a robust description of risk and protective factors preceding death. The protocol includes psychological, individual level factors, but also considers the social network and community around the person who died by suicide. Dr. Harrison is a founding member of Retrospective Fatality Analysis Consultants.
Who Utilizes RFA?
Individuals experiencing suicide bereavement, including family members, medical examiners, coroners, first responders who have lost colleagues, and researchers. Individuals experiencing suicide bereavement, including family members, medical examiners, coroners, first responders who have lost colleagues, and researchers.
How is the Analysis Conducted?
The investigator first interviews persons who are closest to the decedent. The investigator also utilizes medical chart reviews, autopsy report, casework notes, police reports, school records, and other pertinent documentation . An analysis is then written, and the final report is given to the person requesting the autopsy. Resources are provided for those experiencing suicide bereavement. Data that is gathered is use for research purposes, identifying gaps in micro, meso, and macro level services.
Certification Process
Complete the two day RFA training .
Conduct an analysis of a decedent, who died by suicide (you may choose an RFA Consultant to mentor you through this process.)
Write the final report regarding your analysis
Present the final report to the RFA Consultants for review.
Make final corrections, if necessary.
Certification process is completed.
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