A Scoping Review of Suicide Prevention Training Programs for Pharmacists and Student Pharmacists

Abstract

Objective. This scoping review updates a 2018 review of suicide prevention (SP) training programs for community and student pharmacists. Five scholarly databases were searched for articles published between January 2018 and December 2020. Articles were excluded if they: 1) did not describe an educational or training program for pharmacists or student pharmacists; 2) did not explicitly include suicide; 3) focused solely on attitudes; or 4) did not provide sufficient detail to evaluate program content. The quality of each study was examined using a quality assessment tool. Findings. Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Most trainings (86%) were delivered live with interactive, or role play scenarios to promote verbal and behavioral skill practice. About half (57%) assessed changes in knowledge and fewer programs (29%) assessed changes in communication. All assessed the ability to identify suicide warning signs and included referral resources. Six studies were assessed for quality; 67% had a rating of good, and 33% were rated as fair. Summary. Given the increase in suicide rates nationally, it is likely that pharmacists will encounter a patient in need of suicide prevention services. Since 2018, seven new SP training programs for community and student pharmacists have been reported, which demonstrates growing interest in SP training in the pharmacy profession. When integrated in PharmD curricula, trainings may help prepare the pharmacy workforce for encounters with patients in crisis. The impact of training on self-efficacy and communication skills warrants additional attention. Variation between programs should be evaluated to understand which instructional methods best prepare pharmacy professionals to engage in suicide prevention.

Pharmacists’ Experiences, Perceptions, and Attitudes towards Suicide and Suicide Prevention: A Scoping Review

“…Although the effect of training was sustained over three to six months [ 40 ], little is known about the long-term influence on pharmacists’ attitudes, experiences, or their management of at-risk individuals. This matches the findings of another scoping review that explored suicide prevention training programmes given to pharmacists, which noted that additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of training on pharmacists’ self-efficacy and communication skills [ 45 ].…”

“…In order to increase pharmacists’ willingness to participate in suicide prevention and to improve their attitudes and experiences in this field, offering a proper training program is suggested. Training programs should address culture barriers and incorporate the following: role of medications in suicide [ 45 ], minimizing stigma [ 26 ], overcoming barriers, and improving knowledge and communication [ 37 ]. The 20 min, Veterans Administration (VA’s) S.A.V.E.…”

We all have a role to play in suicide prevention

“…Fortunately, there are a number of suicide prevention trainings available for both pharmacy professionals and student pharmacists. 7,8 Many of these trainings are free and can be completed in less than 2 hours. Although asking someone who exhibits warning signs whether they are "talking about suicide" can feel uncomfortable, remember that asking shows the person that you care about them and want to help.…”

A needs assessment for suicide prevention training within community pharmacies

“…Pharmacists have general psychiatry dispensing competencies, but a recent review found that whilst there has been an increase in suicide training resources for pharmacy professionals, this is not ubiquitous and may not be tailored to cultural contexts. 15 …”