Evaluation of an online advanced suicide prevention training for pharmacists

Abstract

Background With the pharmacist role extending internationally to include health promotion and harm reduction, pharmacists are well-suited to adopt a frontline role within suicide prevention efforts. To maximise their abilities to implement suicide prevention strategies, suicide prevention training is essential to improve pharmacists’ knowledge of, attitudes towards, and confidence in pharmacy-based suicide prevention. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an online Advanced Suicide Prevention Training for Pharmacists and explore how participant feedback may direct training improvements. Method One hundred and fifty pharmacists in Tasmania, Australia, completed the training. Of these, 109 participants completed surveys pre-, post- and 6-months post-training to evaluate changes in suicide prevention knowledge, confidence, and attitudes, and explore participants’ perceptions of the training. Results Significant improvements were observed in suicide prevention attitudes (F(2, 20) = 4.12, p = 0.032, partial η2 = 0.292), and self-efficacy (F(2, 20) = 7.84, p = 0.003, partial η2 = 0.439), across the three timepoints, with improvements to knowledge and confidence evident between pre- and post-training (p < 0.05). Qualitative data reflected that the training was beneficial in aiding the identification and support of at-risk individuals, however barriers such as the pharmacy setting, personal discomfort, and perceptions of the pharmacist role were identified as impeding the implementation of suicide prevention within pharmacy practice. Conclusion Training is an effective means of improving pharmacists’ suicide prevention knowledge, confidence, and attitudes. While personal barriers to suicide prevention improved, contextual and social barriers continue to impede pharmacists’ implementation of suicide prevention in practice.

Does video e-learning improve pharmacy teams' attitudes and preparedness towards suicide prevention?

“…16 , 25 The reductions in ASP score reported are comparable to those seen with other pharmacy-based suicide prevention training evaluations such as Cates et al (pre: 33.1, (SD 4.3); post 30.0 (SD 6.6), p < 0.001) 16 Pilbrow et al reported improved attitudes and self-efficacy in suicide prevention immediately and 6 months after an online, synchronous suicide prevention training of pharmacists in Tasmania, Australia. 26 Witry et al 18 surveyed pharmacy students somewhere between 6 and 18 months after MHFA training and 44% had reported asking someone if they were thinking about suicide, although they did not report comparative pre-training data. However, it is difficult to understand the impact of such changes in scores, particularly as self-assessment has been shown to overestimate competence.…”