Integrating insights from implementation science and behavioral economics to strengthen suicide screening strategies for pediatric populations

Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people globally. Professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend suicide screening for every young person at every healthcare contact and these guidelines are now being implemented across the US. To optimize deployment of these guidelines, we draw on insights from two parallel fields, implementation science – or the study of how to support clinicians in providing evidence-based care within organizational constraints – and behavioral economics, which centers human decision-making. In this brief review, we offer potential barriers to suicide screening and strategies to address barriers drawing on these two literatures, illustrating how best to integrate insights from these fields for maximal impact.