Brief Video-Based Suicide Prevention Training for Primary Care

Abstract

Background and Objectives: One-third of individuals who die by suicide had primary care contact in the preceding month. Primary care trainees need engaging and effective suicide prevention training that can be delivered within tight time and resource constraints. However, training is currently scarce and its effectiveness unknown. The objective of this study was to assess learner engagement, learning, self-efficacy, and perceived ability to transfer training to practice from brief video-based modules centered around visual concept mapping of suicide prevention practices. Methods: We assigned 127 primary care trainees 21 brief instructional videos to watch. We analyzed engagement by monitoring the proportion of learners who began each video and the proportion of the video watched. We assessed knowledge and self-efficacy pre- and posttraining. Learners provided feedback on satisfaction with modules and ability to transfer training to practice. Results: Engagement was high, with most learners watching most of each video (mean=83.2%). Increase in knowledge was large (t(131 df)=19.91, P<.001). Confidence in ability to manage suicide risk rose significantly (t(131 df)=16.31, P<.001). Perception of ability to transfer training to practice was moderate. Satisfaction with modules was high. Feedback asked for patient scenarios and practical skills examples. Conclusions: This training successfully engaged primary health care trainees in suicide prevention education. Training transfer will be improved by adding skill demonstrations, a suicide attempt survivor perspective, and a memorable framework to assist implementation of knowledge. A new iteration incorporating these improvements is under evaluation. Variants for other health care settings are under development.

Suicidality Among Sexual Minority Adults: Gender, Age, and Race/Ethnicity Differences

“…These findings stress the need for suicide prevention resources across the life course. This may entail creating new programs for adults, 41 such as universal screening in emergency departments 42,43 or primary care, 44 possibly with a focus on LGB competency (e.g., displaying physical symbols signifying comfort with and acceptance of LGB patients), and screening for health conditions that disproportionately affect LGB individuals. 45 Past-year suicide thoughts were significantly higher among bisexual women than among lesbian/gay women for certain race/ethnicity and age groups.…”

Working with Young People at Risk of Suicidal Behaviour and Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study of Australian General Practitioners’ Perspectives

“…Consistent with past findings [ 72 ], the GPs in our study identified that specific suicide and self-harm training was rare, and even more so that which focused on young people. Training for GPs in identifying and responding to suicidal behaviours has long been an accepted and effective suicide prevention strategy, with training improving GP knowledge, confidence, and skills [ 17 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 ]. Furthermore, modelling studies suggest that some of the greatest reductions in Australia’s suicide rates could be achieved through suicide prevention training in primary care [ 19 ].…”

Effectiveness of distance-based suicide interventions: multi-level meta-analysis and systematic review

“…Finally, low-cost aDBI can help to expand mental health services, especially in low- and middle-income countries, as called for by Chisholm et al, 51 and as such, contribute to the sustainable development goals for mental health set by the United Nations. 52 As evidence for DBI continues to emerge and tele-health and other forms of interventions develop, we recommend establishing suicide-specific training frameworks 53,54 that incorporate DBI as an adjunct to standard healthcare services and professional training.…”