RFA Process

Retrospective Fatality Analysis (RFA) is a comprehensive analysis of biopsychosocial and environmental factors preceding an individual’s death by suicide or other unnatural deaths. Our analysis interview tool was developed by a multidisciplinary team of seven highly experienced death investigators and suicidologists.  

RFAs are a tool that benefits equivocal death investigation, public health fatality reviews, academic research on injury control, and promotes meaning-making among suicide loss survivors. 

The RFA process includes three main components: data collection, interviews, and synthesis of information. Expanding upon the methodology of psychological autopsy, we have increased its breadth and depth.

During the data collection process, Certified Retrospective Fatality Analysts (C-RFAs) identify and collect sources of information, including medical records, police reports, coroner’s reports, death certificates, journals, and social media accounts.  

During the data collection process, Certified Retrospective Fatality Analysts (C-RFAs) identify and collect sources of information, including medical records, police reports, coroner’s reports, death certificates, journals, and social media accounts.  

After all of the data has been collected and interviews have been completed, the C-RFA synthesizes the data into a report for the loss survivor.