Training health professionals in the recognition, assessment and management of suicide risk

Objectives: To set up and evaluate a multidisciplinary suicide assessment training course for "front-line'' clinical staff. Methods: We looked at the impact of two types of training courses: full day Workshops with actors role-playing patients; and a half-day Lecture. Outcome measures included the Suicide Intervention Response Inventory Form 2, a reliable and valid measure of the ability to intervene with suicidal clients, and confidence in clinical management scales. Results: One hundred and seven trainees from different disciplines attended the courses. Both types of course led to improvements in the skills and confidence of the trainees which were sustained at the two month follow up. Conclusion: Although using actors to role play was more expensive, trainees commented positively on their use. The better attendance and feedback at the sessions with actors suggest the extra expense involved in using them is worthwhile. We have shown it is feasible to run a reasonably inexpensive educational course in a Mental Health facility that provides effective training in suicide prevention to a large number of trainees.