PROTECT: Relational safety based suicide prevention training frameworks.

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Suicide prevention is a global health priority requiring effective staff training.
• Frontline pressures can impede the translation of suicide prevention training into improved patient care and outcomes.
• Challenges exist in consistently assessing and managing suicide risk in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges in suicide risk assessment and management.
• To introduce the PROTECT (PROactive deTECTion) training frameworks to support mindful practice.
• To help professionals balance suicide risk management with patient recovery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review combined with contemporary practices from UK initiatives (333 and PROMISE).
• Development of the PROTECT frameworks: AWARE, DESPAIR, ASPIRE, and NOTES.
• Operationalizing relational safety through training in risk detection, mitigation, and documentation.

Main Results:

• The PROTECT frameworks integrate novel concepts and established therapeutic approaches.
• Training enhances self-awareness of cognitive biases and risk-taking thresholds.
• Implementation aims for time-efficient cross-checks to increase clinical rigour.

Conclusions:

• The PROTECT frameworks support a relational approach to suicide risk detection, mitigation, and documentation.
• Training fosters person-centred care, enhancing safety and promoting recovery-oriented practice.
• Future research involving lived and carer experience is recommended for framework refinement.