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Abstract
Gatekeepers in community hospice settings encounter patients and caregivers struggling with suicidal thoughts. Limited guidance is available for training staff on the prevention of suicide in hospice care. This study evaluated one promising, evidence-based, suicide prevention program with a behavioral rehearsal practice session. A pre- and post-, one group design, was utilized to measure the training impact and educational needs of staff working in community hospice settings (N =39). Training increased awareness of the risk factors for suicide, as reported by nearly 80% of participants. Self-efficacy scores showed a statistically significant Increase, t(df = 35), −9.59, p= .00 (two-tailed), from pretraining (n=36, M=2.21, SD= .65) to posttraining (n=36, M=3.03, SD=.56). Satisfaction and the need for additional devoted time for suicide prevention training were highly rated. Suicide prevention training programs can enhance self-efficacy, knowledge, and skills for gatekeepers working in community hospice settings.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work was supported with resources and the use of facilities at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System. The authors would like to thank Dale Chavis, LCSW, and the staff at BJC Hospice and The Greater Saint Louis Hospice Organization for their assistance in coordinating the trainings.
Notes
Note. Missing data on some survey items led to sample size differences for some variables.
Note. Topics ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree on a 5-point Likert scale. Missing data on some survey items led to sample size differences for some variables.
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The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs.