Key Components and Barriers in Web-Based Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training: Systematic Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Gatekeeper training programs (GTPs) are crucial for suicide prevention, training community members to identify and support at-risk individuals.
• Web-based GTPs offer scalable, flexible, and cost-effective alternatives to in-person training.
• Current understanding of optimal design, delivery, and engagement strategies for web-based GTPs is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify key components, facilitators, and barriers of web-based gatekeeper training programs (GTPs).

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science) for articles published between 2000 and 2025.
• 59 peer-reviewed studies on web-based GTPs met the inclusion criteria.
• Content analysis was employed to identify critical components and barriers influencing the delivery and reception of these programs.

Main Results:

• Key design considerations include accessibility, customizability, privacy, and platform sustainability.
• Essential training content covers suicide knowledge, gatekeeping skills, resource awareness, and general mental health education.
• Effective pedagogy involves interactive activities, knowledge checks, reinforcement, community building, and promoting trainee autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Web-based GTPs show promise for expanding suicide prevention training access.
• Effectiveness can be enhanced by integrating web-learning frameworks, user-centered design, and interactive elements.
• Future research should focus on acceptability, feasibility, sustainability, and adapting programs for diverse populations, potentially using co-design approaches.