Gatekeeper training for friends and family of individuals at risk of suicide: A systematic review

Abstract

Aims: Gatekeeper training (GKT) is an important suicide prevention strategy. Studies have evaluated the effectiveness of GKT in different populations, often neglecting family and friends who play a vital role in caring for people with suicide risk. This review evaluated GKT programs targeting family and friends to determine their effectiveness in this specific population.Methods: Academic databases were searched for studies on GKT programs. Programs involving family and friends caring for people with suicide risk were assessed for any impact on knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and suicide prevention skills.Results: Seventeen studies were reviewed. GKT showed significant gains on outcomes of interest. Three studies targeted family and friends, with one involving them in program creation and conduction and another adjusting the program after their input. Conclusions: GKT programs have potentially positive effects on family and friends caring for people with suicide risk. Few programs address the specific needs of this group, and programs adapted specifically for them are scarce. Future program development recommendations are discussed.

Beyond human expertise: the promise and limitations of ChatGPT in suicide risk assessment

“…These programs also aim to equip participants with the necessary skills to assess an individual's level of risk and to manage the situation effectively by providing access to appropriate resources and treatment referrals (17). The role of gatekeepers is to facilitate access to appropriate care and treatment for those at risk of suicide (17). Research suggests that such gatekeepers can be useful in reducing suicide as part of a systematic approach to suicide prevention (18)(19)(20).…”

Considering the importance of ‘Communities of Practice’ and Health Promotion Constructs for Upstream Suicide Prevention

“…to positions of 'gatekeepers' who identify and refer vulnerable young persons to mental health care (40,41). The youth suicide prevention eld has devoted much time and attention to this model (24,40) even though evidence of this strategy's mitigating impact on youth suicidal events is sparce, mixed, and ultimately inconclusive (41)(42)(43). Most importantly, the aim of gatekeeper approaches is to assess individual risk and refer to clinical services, which are not often available in under-resourced communities (5,6) nor are they typically culturallyresponsive for marginalized young people (7).…”

co-production of an intervention facilitating informal caregivers to support adults at risk of suicide and serious self-harm: a brief report

“…[24][25][26][27][28] ST: Most suicide prevention psychoeducation programs target the general public and help identify and manage risks but do not address caregivers' unique challenges and needs due to their emotional connection to the individual. 30,32 The co-production process was invaluable in integrating the perspectives of both carers and professionals, ensuring the final content was both clinically accurate and aligned with the lived experiences and needs of carers. My literature review 19 (1 and the co-production group identified that codelivery is vital in carer psychoeducation programs, providing carers with a peer they can identify with, learn from, and be inspired by.…”