Project Overview
This study is in response to Action 5.4.4 of the Connecting for Life strategy which recommends the incorporation of suicide prevention training as part of third-level curricula of the relevant health and social care professions.
Take a look at our new video, which explains the need for such training and what is involved. Please turn sound on for best experience.
Project Aims
The aim of this project is to provide health and social care students with the necessary knowledge, skills and empathy essential for appropriately supporting individuals at risk of suicide.
Project Phases
The project follows a structured approach, consisting of four phases.
Phase one (exploration)
The project began in 2021/22, during which we reviewed existing educational modules and training resources on suicide prevention. This initial phase included a comprehensive scoping review, a survey targeting healthcare academics and lecturers across higher education institutions in Ireland, and the establishment of a national consultation group comprising health and social care academics.
Insights gathered during this phase helped shape the project’s objectives, emphasising the need for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to suicide prevention education for health and social care students.
Phase two (design)
Phase two of the project, which commenced in 2023, has utilised a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, public health, and clinical practice, as well as input from students themselves.
The module has been designed to cover various aspects, including the epidemiology of suicide, risk and protective factors, assessment and safety planning techniques and intervention strategies. Moreover, the module emphasises the importance of self-care and wellbeing for students themselves.
Phase three (implementation)
The module has now been piloted to 200 health and social care students across University College Cork and University College Dublin. The insights gained from this pilot will inform future iterations of the content and contribute to the development of a train-the-trainer programme.
By implementing a structured training module, we hope to bridge the gap in current educational offerings and ensure that future health and social care professionals are prepared to support individuals at risk of suicide.
Phase four (evaluation)
The evaluation phase will involve both quantitative and qualitative assessments of the module’s effectiveness. Surveys and focus groups will gauge students’ knowledge acquisition, perceived competence in suicide prevention, and feedback on the module’s content and delivery. This will inform future iterations of the module as well as an upcoming train-the-trainer project.
Team Members Involved
Dr Eve Griffin, Dr Michelle O’Driscoll, Ms Kerrie Gallagher, Dr Clíodhna O’Brien, Dr Paul Corcoran
Recent Publications
Gallagher K, O’ Brien C, O’ Driscoll M, Ní Dhálaigh D, Corcoran P, Griffin E (2023). Suicide prevention curriculum development for health and social care students: Protocol for a scoping review. PloS ONE 18(12): e0285231
