Citation

Tanney BL, Ramsay RF, Lang WA, Kinzel TA. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 94-95.

Affiliation

LivingWorks Education, 4303D 11 Street SE, T2G 4X1, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. btanney@bigpond.net.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964023

Abstract

Over thirty years ago, the need for learning programs intended to provide basic skills for suicide intervention (gatekeeper) was identified. Today, a minimum of two days of interactive training to facilitate the integration of necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills is recognized as a minimum standard (IOM, 2002). Few programs achieve this curriculum standard. Despite being identified as a need in most national or regional strategies for suicide prevention, delivery is an even larger problem with a near -universal lack of resources and capacity to access more than a few hours devoted to suicide awareness. The safeTALK program was designed and developed for communities who are unable (for many reasons) to provide adequate suicide intervention training programs. It offers standardized training in suicide alertness: a set of skills that enable general community helpers to recognize and connect persons with thoughts of suicide to others qualified to provide support and/or treatment. SafeTALK was developed using Rothman's knowledge transition platform. It is one of number of layered and integrated programs available to promote suicide-safer communities. Positive field trial results from the Australian Defense Forces are reported. Extracts from the curriculum are presented. Strategies for large-scale dissemination are offered.

Language: en