Suicide risk assessment training for psychology doctoral programs: Core competencies and a framework for training.

Abstract

Clinical and counseling psychology programs currently lack adequate evidence-based competency goals and training in suicide risk assessment. To begin to address this problem, this article proposes core competencies and an integrated training framework that can form the basis for training and research in this area. First, we evaluate the extent to which current training is effective in preparing trainees for suicide risk assessment. Within this discussion, sample and methodological issues are reviewed. Second, as an extension of these methodological training issues, we integrate empirically- and expert-derived suicide risk assessment competencies from several sources with the goal of streamlining core competencies for training purposes. Finally, a framework for suicide risk assessment training is outlined. The approach employs Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) methodology, an approach commonly utilized in medical competency training. The training modality also proposes the Suicide Competency Assessment Form (SCAF), a training tool evaluating self- and observer-ratings of trainee core competencies. The training framework and SCAF are ripe for empirical evaluation and potential training implementation.

Advancing Training to Identify, Intervene, and Follow Up with Individuals at Risk for Suicide Through Research

“…19 Training for BHPs should be competency-based. 6,20 There are many risk assessment competency frameworks in the literature, and competencies range from as few as two 21 to as many as 24. 22 Even with a high degree of agreement among experts, there are too many identified competencies for training and practice purposes, but general consistency in overall content suggests the possibility of establishing a universal list of competencies.…”

“…1 Community GK training improves knowledge, attitudes such as selfefficacy and reduced stigma, and engagement skills, although results seem contingent on training methods with less positive outcomes for didactic training compared to training with experiential components. [5][6][7] Professional gatekeepers. Professional GKs are providers who work in various community and health settings.…”

Diseño y evaluación de un adiestramiento para profesionales de ayuda sobre identificación y manejo de riesgo suicida en estudiantes universitarios

“…Asimismo, la evaluación cualitativa del adiestramiento sugiere que la utilización de estrategias experienciales como el juego de roles y las discusiones de casos son beneficiosas ya que logran mantener la atención, promueven la participación activa y permiten la aplicación del material aprendido. Ello coincide con otros estudios que han valorado positivamente la utilización de estas estrategias de enseñanza para profesionales de ayuda (Chagnon et al, 2007;Cramer et al, 2013;Fenwick et al, 2004;Pasco, Wallack, Sartin, Dayton, 2012;Rudd et al, 2008).…”

“…Para ello se utilizaron las estrategias didácticas de juego de roles y discusiones de casos en grupos grandes y pequeños. Estas estrategias han sido efectivas en otros estudios de adiestramientos para la prevención del suicidio y son recomendadas, pues ayudan a obtener mejores resultados que los adiestramientos que no utilizan estrategias experienciales de práctica (Chagnon et al, 2007;Cramer et al, 2013;Fenwick, Vassilas, Carter, & Haque, 2004;Pasco, Wallack, Sartin, Dayton, 2012;Rudd et al, 2008).…”

“…Se ha recomendado que los adiestramientos dirigidos a profesionales de ayuda estén basados en las competencias que se han identificado como necesarias para la evaluación y el manejo de personas suicidas (Cramer, Johnson, McLaughlin, Rausch, & Conroy, 2013;Rudd et al, 2008;Schmitz et al, 2012). Entre estas competencias se encuentran: saber cómo trabajar con la persona suicida, entender el suicidio, recopilar información certera para evaluación, formular riesgo, desarrollar un plan de tratamiento y servicios, dar seguimiento, documentar los casos y entender los asuntos éticos y legales relacionados al suicidio (American Association of Suicidology, 2004 …”