@article{ref1,
title="Evaluation of training in identifying and responding to suicide risk by staff of a behavioral health managed care organization",
journal="Professional case management",
year="2023",
author="Walker, Marcie L. and Weems, Lori A. and Hutchison, Shari L. and Herschell, Amy D. and Karpov, Irina O. and MacDonald-Wilson, Kim L.",
volume="28",
number="4",
pages="172-182",
abstract="PURPOSE OF STUDY: Gatekeeper training for individuals who may be in contact with someone contemplating suicide is a recommended suicide prevention strategy. This study assessed organizational-level gatekeeper training. PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS: Gatekeeper training was conducted in a behavioral health managed care organization (BHMCO), which facilitates integrated behavioral and physical health services for 1.4 million Medicaid-enrolled Pennsylvanians. <br><br>METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE: Gatekeeper training was offered to BHMCO staff via a new training policy. Gatekeeper trainers were qualified BHMCO staff. Approximately half (47%) of trained staff served as care managers. Pre- and posttraining surveys were administered to assess self-reported confidence in ability to identify and assist individuals at risk for suicide. Post-training, staff responded to a hypothetical vignette involving suicide risk, which was evaluated for skills by gatekeeper trainers. <br><br>RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of staff completed training. Mean confidence scores improved significantly from pre- (η = 615) to posttraining (η = 556) (understanding = 3.41 vs. 4.11, respectively; knowledge = 3.47 vs. 4.04; identification = 3.30 vs. 3.94; respond = 3.30 vs. 4.04, p <.0001 for each). Intermediate and advanced skills to address suicide risk were demonstrated post-training in 68.6% and 17.2% of staff, respectively. More care managers versus other BHMCO staff demonstrated advanced skills (21.6% vs. 13.0%); however, both groups showed significant improvement pre- to post-training.   IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT: Care managers benefit from suicide prevention training and are uniquely positioned to serve as organizational leaders to successful population health initiatives to decrease suicide through training and education.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1932-8087",
doi="10.1097/NCM.0000000000000610",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/NCM.0000000000000610"
}