The ASPIRES Suicide, Self-harm and Overdose Prevention Plan (2022-2024) included the development and delivery of contemporary evidence-based suicide prevention training to mental health staff within MNMH, alongside system-wide efforts to embed Restorative Just and Learning Culture. As the largest public mental health service in Australia, and with a multidisciplinary workforce of over 2000 workers, two types of training formats were made available to better suit workforce capacity and nuanced application of suicide prevention pathway between acute inpatient and community mental health services. The ASPIRES training was delivered in both one- and two-day formats. The training aimed to increase staff confidence and application of the ASPIRES suicide, self-harm and overdose prevention pathway. The aim is to assess training efficacy in increasing staff confidence and intentions to engage with the pathway, as well as evaluating the impact of the training format.
Data from one-day training (n = 188) and two-day training (n = 261) was analysed. Participant (including clinicians, healthcare workers, and lived experience staff) responses were compared on outcomes between the two training durations. Findings showed significant improvements in self-reported confidence and intention to engage with the suicide prevention pathway across both training formats. However, differences in confidence and intention varied by training format. Differences in role experience may moderate confidence and application of ASPIRES elements. Both training types had a positive impact on participant’s confidence and willingness to engage with the ASPIRES suicide prevention pathway. Differences in confidence and intention to use the pathway varied by training format and these differences may be attributable to differences in participant demographics and/or variations in training content between the two programs.
Note to the organisers*: This abstract is part of a broader symposium submission, comprising a collection of related research projects.