Feasibility of a web-based gatekeeper training: implications for suicide prevention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Interventions
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Web-based training offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Empirical verification of web-based suicide prevention gatekeeper training is lacking.
• The Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) program is a key gatekeeper intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based QPR gatekeeper training program.
• To compare web-based training outcomes with a control group and face-to-face training.
• To evaluate the long-term retention of knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted to evaluate a web-based QPR training.
• Study 1 compared web-based training to a control group.
• Study 2 compared web-based training to face-to-face training, with follow-up assessments.

Main Results:

• Web-based training significantly improved suicide prevention knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions compared to a control group.
• Web-based training demonstrated comparable effectiveness to face-to-face training immediately post-intervention.
• Knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions declined in both training groups 6 months post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Web-based delivery is a feasible method for suicide prevention gatekeeper training.
• Initial gains in knowledge and confidence are achievable through online platforms.
• Strategies are needed to ensure sustained knowledge and skills among gatekeepers post-training.