Initial Validation of the Suicide Competency Assessment Form among Behavioral Health Staff in the National Health Services Trust

Abstract

Objective: The Suicide Competency Assessment Form (SCAF) provides a framework for suicide prevention skills training. This study assessed SCAF psychometric properties in a sample of behavioral health staff. Method: A cross-sectional survey of National Health Services (NHS) staff from varying disciplines (N=170) was conducted. Results: The SCAF yielded a one-factor structure with high internal consistency. Nursing assistants reported lower SCAF scores compared to other professionals. SCAF scores demonstrated positive associations with prior suicide prevention training, job enthusiasm, and several suicide/self-injury prevention outcome expectations (i.e., optimism working with self-harming patients and perceived ability to help self-harming patients). SCAF scores further demonstrated incremental validity in the form of multivariate model associations with suicide/self-injury prevention outcome expectations. Improved job satisfaction mediated the pathway from SCAF scores to perceived ability to help self-harming patients. Conclusion: The SCAF can be utilized in suicide prevention training and clinical supervision.

Preliminary effectiveness of an online-mediated competency-based suicide prevention training program.

“…The scale consists of 3 subscales: (a) perceived ability to effectively help patients, (b) optimism and patience (regarding working with self-harming patients), and (c) confidence and adequacy of training (in working with self-harming patients). Although the development article did not report internal consistency values, subsequent research demonstrates the following levels: perceived ability to help patients (α = .65), optimism and patience (α = .61), and confidence and adequacy of training (α = .64) (Cramer et al, in press).…”

“…The Suicide Competency Assessment Form (SCAF; Cramer et al, 2013; Cramer, Ireland, Long, Hartley, & Lamis, in press) was developed to provide a structured self- and observer-rated evaluation, as well as a framework for the core competency suicide prevention training model content. Two studies demonstrate preliminary effectiveness of core competency-based suicide prevention training programs in enhancing core competencies of trainees and counselors (Cramer, Bryson, Stroud, & Ridge, 2016; Cramer, Bryson, Eichorst, Keyes, & Ridge, 2017).…”

The core competency model for corrections: An education program for managing self-directed violence in correctional institutions.

“…Additionally, Herron et al’s (2001) Attitudes Toward Suicide Prevention Scale can be used as a metric of general SDV stigma. For evaluation of SDV prevention self-efficacy, the SCAF (Cramer et al, 2013, 2020) self-evaluation format measures perceived mastery of the CCM’s 10 core competencies. When identifying ways to gather feedback from educational program participants, we recommend relying on existing theories for question design.…”

Interprofessional Suicide Prevention Education

“…In total, 18 students provided evaluation data for all three time-points. The following were completed at all time-points: • Demographics form; modified SCAF (Cramer et al, 2013;Cramer et al, 2020), modified to include all 13 suicide prevention competencies.…”

“…1 Suicidal Behaviors Attitudes Questionnaire (SBAQ;Botega, Reginato et al, 2005;Botega, Silva et al, 2007) subscale.2 Literacy of Suicide Scale -Short Form (LOSS-SF;Batterham et al, 2013). 3 modified Suicide Competency Assessment Form (SCAF;Cramer et al, 2013;Cramer et al, 2020).4 Interprofessional Education Collaborative Competency Self Efficacy Tool (IPECC-SET;Hasnain et al, 2017) subscale. *p < .05, **p < .001.…”