Evaluation of benefits to patients of training mental health professionals in suicide guidelines: cluster randomized trial

Derek P. de Beurs*, Marieke H. de Groot, Jos de Keijser, Erik van Duin, Remco F. P. de Winter, Ad J. F. M. Kerkhof

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background
Randomised studies examining the effect on patients of training professionals in adherence to suicide guidelines are scarce.

Aims
To assess whether patients benefited from the training of professionals in adherence to suicide guidelines.

Method
In total 45 psychiatric departments were randomised (Dutch trial register: NTR3092). In the intervention condition, all staff in the departments were trained with an e-learning supported train-the-trainer programme. After the intervention, patients were assessed at admission and at 3-month follow-up. Primary outcome was change in suicide ideation, assessed with the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation.

Results
For the total group of 566 patients with a positive score on the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation at baseline, intention-to-treat analysis showed no effects of the intervention on patient outcomes at 3-month follow-up. Patients who were suicidal with a DSM-IV diagnosis of depression (n = 154) showed a significant decrease in suicide ideation when treated in the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group more often reported that suicidality was discussed during treatment.

Conclusions
Overall, no effect of our intervention on patients was found. However, we did find a beneficial effect of the training of professionals on patients with depression.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)477-483
Number of pages7
JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry
Volume208
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May-2016

Keywords

  • MULTIPLE IMPUTATION
  • PREVENTION PROGRAM
  • CLINICAL-PRACTICE
  • MANAGEMENT
  • IDEATION
  • CARE
  • IMPLEMENTATION
  • INTERVENTION
  • DEPRESSION
  • STRATEGY

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