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Lavigne JE, Stover AN, Gamble A, Tudor G, Cross WF, Carpenter DM. A randomized controlled trial protocol for a virtual, scalable suicide prevention gatekeeper training program for community pharmacy staff (Pharm-SAVES). Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2024; 38:101268. [PMID: 38380343 PMCID: PMC10878835 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Suicide prevention gatekeeping is a skill that may support community (retail) pharmacists in managing patients who present with suicide warning signs. A brief, virtual, case-based training intervention was tailored to the retail setting (Pharm-SAVES). To test training effectiveness, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol was developed for use in pharmacies across four states. Objective To introduce the trial protocol for assessing the effectiveness for increasing the proportion of staff who recognize patients displaying warning signs and self-report engaging in gatekeeping, including asking if the patient is considering suicide. Methods This study uses a parallel cluster-randomized controlled trial to recruit 150 pharmacy staff in community pharmacies in four states with two groups (intervention and control). The control group completes Pharm-SAVES online suicide prevention gatekeeper training and all assessment surveys at baseline after training and at 1-month follow-up. The experimental group completes all control group training and assessments plus interactive video role-play patient cases. Conclusion We hypothesize that compared to those in the control group, experimental group trainees exposed to the interactive video role play patient cases will be more likely to recognize warning signs in patient cases and self-report engaging in gatekeeping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E. Lavigne
- Wegmans School of Pharmacy, St John Fisher University, United States
| | | | - Abigail Gamble
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Gail Tudor
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Wendi F. Cross
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, United States
| | - Delesha M. Carpenter
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
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2
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Gorton HC, Berry HJ, O'Reilly CL, Gardner D, Murphy AL. Does video e-learning improve pharmacy teams' attitudes and preparedness towards suicide prevention? EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 12:100370. [PMID: 38058359 PMCID: PMC10696119 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence on the role of pharmacy teams in suicide prevention is growing. To support pharmacy teams, a video e-learning was produced by the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) involving an 'on-the-sofa' style group interview with people with personal and professional experience of suicide and suicide research. Objective The objective was to measure any change in attitudes and preparedness for suicide prevention, following a video e-learning produced for pharmacy staff. Methods People working in any sector of pharmacy in England and who accessed the training video were invited to complete a pre- and post- training questionnaire, between September 2019 and March 2021. Question types included demographics, experiences, attitudes as measured by the Attitudes to Suicide Prevention (ASP) scale, and preparedness. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographics and experience and paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post- questionnaire responses. Results Both questionnaires were completed by 147 people. Most worked in community pharmacy (88%) and were pharmacists (64%) or pharmacy technicians (20%). Attitudes to suicide prevention improved significantly (pre:31.20 (SD 6.04); post:28.40 (SD 6.50), p < 0.0001) after watching the video, as did self-reported preparedness. Conclusions Pharmacy teams' self-reported attitudes and preparedness for suicide prevention improved after watching this suicide awareness video compared to baseline. Suicide awareness training tailored to pharmacy teams may be valuable, but the longitudinal impact of any suicide prevention training requires further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley C. Gorton
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Hayley J. Berry
- Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE), University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - David Gardner
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Pilbrow S, Staniland L, Uren HV, Shand F, McGoldrick J, Thorp E, MacKrill M, Moullin JC. Evaluation of an online advanced suicide prevention training for pharmacists. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1203-1211. [PMID: 37702959 PMCID: PMC10600280 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01636-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the pharmacist role extending internationally to include health promotion and harm reduction, pharmacists are well-suited to adopt a frontline role within suicide prevention efforts. To maximise their abilities to implement suicide prevention strategies, suicide prevention training is essential to improve pharmacists' knowledge of, attitudes towards, and confidence in pharmacy-based suicide prevention. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an online Advanced Suicide Prevention Training for Pharmacists and explore how participant feedback may direct training improvements. METHOD One hundred and fifty pharmacists in Tasmania, Australia, completed the training. Of these, 109 participants completed surveys pre-, post- and 6-months post-training to evaluate changes in suicide prevention knowledge, confidence, and attitudes, and explore participants' perceptions of the training. RESULTS Significant improvements were observed in suicide prevention attitudes (F(2, 20) = 4.12, p = 0.032, partial η2 = 0.292), and self-efficacy (F(2, 20) = 7.84, p = 0.003, partial η2 = 0.439), across the three timepoints, with improvements to knowledge and confidence evident between pre- and post-training (p < 0.05). Qualitative data reflected that the training was beneficial in aiding the identification and support of at-risk individuals, however barriers such as the pharmacy setting, personal discomfort, and perceptions of the pharmacist role were identified as impeding the implementation of suicide prevention within pharmacy practice. CONCLUSION Training is an effective means of improving pharmacists' suicide prevention knowledge, confidence, and attitudes. While personal barriers to suicide prevention improved, contextual and social barriers continue to impede pharmacists' implementation of suicide prevention in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Pilbrow
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lexy Staniland
- Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Hannah V Uren
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Emily Thorp
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Tasmanian Branch, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Monique MacKrill
- The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian Branch, Battery Point, TAS, Australia
| | - Joanna C Moullin
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
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O'Driscoll M, Carpenter DM, Foley A, Moloney E, Reddin K, Sahm LJ. A needs assessment for suicide prevention training within community pharmacies. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 10:100285. [PMID: 37333967 PMCID: PMC10276177 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Suicide is a leading cause of deaths globally, with over 700,000 deaths by suicide reported annually. In Ireland, numbers of suicides increased by 5.4% from 2015 to 2019. Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible and trusted healthcare professionals, and together with their staff they are well placed to identify those who may be at risk of suicide and guide them towards care pathways. Furthermore, their role in medication management can limit vulnerable patient access to potentially harmful medications. This study aims to explore the experience of community pharmacists and their staff in dealing with patients at risk of suicide and to identify ways of increasing education and support in this area. Methods Pharmacists registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey via Google Forms in May 2020, and to circulate the online survey link to their community pharmacy staff (CPS). The survey comprised 29 questions across the following categories: interactions with at-risk patients; communication; training and resources. Free text responses to the following question were invited: "Without any identifying information, please tell us briefly about a time when you interacted with a patient who you were concerned may hurt himself or herself". Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results Of 219 eligible responses (67% female, 94% pharmacists, 6% other pharmacy staff), 61% percent (n = 134) reported having a patient die by suicide. Forty percent (n = 87) of participants reported feeling either very or moderately uncomfortable communicating with patients that may be at risk of suicide or self-harm. Most respondents (88.5%, n = 194) had not completed any suicide training. Online/webinar style trainings (82.1%, n = 180), and local/regional in-person events (50%, n = 111) were the most preferred education mode. Qualitative themes that emerged were: (i) accessibility; (ii) medication management; (iii) therapeutic relationship; (iv) knowledge and training; and (v) continuum of care pathways. Conclusion This study highlights the high frequency of community pharmacy interactions with those at risk of suicide and the necessity for appropriate training in suicide prevention. Further research-informed action is required to facilitate navigation of such interactions with knowledge and confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O'Driscoll
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Delesha M. Carpenter
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 220 Campus Drive, CPO 2125/114G Karpen Hall, Asheville, NC 28804, United States of America
| | - Ailbhe Foley
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Emily Moloney
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Katie Reddin
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Laura J. Sahm
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
- Department of Pharmacy, Mercy University Hospital, Grenville Place, Cork, Ireland
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Gorton HC, Berry HJ, O'Reilly CL, Gardner D, Murphy AL. Experience and attitudes of pharmacy teams towards suicide prevention: A cross-sectional survey. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:517-525. [PMID: 36180366 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists are increasingly recognized as integral members in suicide prevention programs, as part of a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach. However, further research is required to understand then optimize the whole pharmacy teams' role across sectors. OBJECTIVE To explore pharmacy teams' experience of, and attitudes towards, suicide prevention in England. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was purposively distributed to pharmacy staff in England before accessing an optional suicide awareness raising video, hosted by Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE), in September 2019-March 2021. Questions included demographics and experience of, attitudes towards, and preparedness for, suicide prevention. The 14-item Attitudes to Suicide Prevention (ASP) scale was used (possible range 14-70 with lower scores representing positive attitudes). Descriptive and comparative statistics were reported. Free-text comments were invited to explore respondents' experience of suicide prevention and reflexive thematic analysis used. RESULTS Of 403 respondents, 82% were female; most were pharmacists (59%) or pharmacy technicians (21%), with the remainder having other roles. Eighty-five percent worked in community pharmacy. Eleven percent had prior suicide prevention training, and 71% reported interacting with at least one patient about suicide. Most often, suicidality was disclosed by the patient (40%), with 6% of pharmacy staff having directly asked a patient about suicidal behavior or plans. The aggregated ASP score was 31.51 (SD 6.23), and role did not affect experience or attitude. Pharmacy teams' experiences of suicide prevention can be summarized by three major themes i) Exposure to suicide; ii) Responsibility for action; and iii) Access to means of suicide. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy teams felt responsibility in caring for those at risk of suicide and had experience of this. Further training should include understanding of medicines means restriction and involve all roles and sectors of pharmacy. Pharmacy teams should be integrated into the 'circle of care' to access referral pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley C Gorton
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
| | - Hayley J Berry
- Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE), University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Claire L O'Reilly
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - David Gardner
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
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Kamal L, Jacob SA. Pharmacists' Experiences, Perceptions, and Attitudes towards Suicide and Suicide Prevention: A Scoping Review. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11010025. [PMID: 36827663 PMCID: PMC9965762 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is important to understand pharmacists' experiences, stigmas, trainings, and attitudes to suicide, as they can affect the way pharmacists interact with at-risk individuals and influence outcomes. The aim of this scoping review is to explore pharmacists' willingness, experiences, and attitudes towards suicide prevention, as well as to examine the impact of suicide prevention training programs. A systemic search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Studies included were from database inception to 31 August 2022, in English, with full-text available. A total of 13 studies were included. Training was a key factor which had an impact on pharmacists' attitudes, experiences, and preparedness to participate in suicide care, with studies revealing the lack of training and the call for more training by pharmacists. Another key factor was closeness to mental illness, which also impacted pharmacists' attitudes and experiences with at-risk patients. More research is needed worldwide to understand the different barriers and facilitators to pharmacist involvement in suicide care. Targeted training programs should also be developed to not only increase knowledge and competence, but also to address stigma related to suicide.
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Gorton HC, Strawbridge J, Macfarlane H. Mental health: "it is a subject where most pharmacists [or pharmacy] students have no more knowledge than the general public". J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:13. [PMID: 36694247 PMCID: PMC9872065 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health is a global health priority, and pharmacists have a valuable role in improving outcomes in all sectors of practice. This study sought to explore pharmacy students' views on teaching and learning of mental health and future practice. METHODS An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to pharmacy students in the UK and Ireland in February 2020 via the Qualtrics™ platform and 232 students responded. The questionnaire was originally intended to explore the provision of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaching and the quantitative analysis has been previously reported. Students were invited to comment on their views about MHFA. The open-ended question: 'Do you have any other comments about mental health teaching and learning in the MPharm degree?' was also included. The rich free-text data were analysed, and themes identified. RESULTS Three major themes were identified: (i) Mental Health is important; (ii) Pharmacist roles and (iii) So, Teach me. A fourth theme, Stigma, crosscut all the themes. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy students appreciate the importance of mental health care. The majority recognise the role of the pharmacist in providing person-centred care and the potential to enhance this role. Students are keen to learn more, and acquire the confidence and skills to contribute in the future. They would like an integrated approach and have more opportunities to learn from patients. Addressing stigma is an important consideration for educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. C. Gorton
- grid.15751.370000 0001 0719 6059Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH UK
| | - J. Strawbridge
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - H. Macfarlane
- grid.7273.10000 0004 0376 4727School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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8
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Crespo-Gonzalez C, Dineen-Griffin S, Rae J, Hill RA. Mental health training programs for community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students: A systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3895-3910. [PMID: 35778317 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care is often the first point of contact for people living with mental disorders. Community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students are increasingly being trained to deliver mental health care. However, there is still a gap in the literature exploring the characteristics of all available mental health training programs and their components and their influence on pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students' outcomes. OBJECTIVES To summarize the evidence evaluating mental health training programs completed by community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students. More specifically, to explore the components of mental health training programs and identify those that facilitate significant improvements in outcomes. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane handbook and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A search for published literature was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) in July 2021. Eligible studies were included if they described and evaluated the impact of mental health training programs delivered to community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and pharmacy students regardless of design or comparator. The methodological quality of included studies was appraised using both the NIH quality assessment, to evaluate studies with an uncontrolled pre-post design, and the Cochrane EPOC risk of bias assessment, to evaluate studies with a controlled (randomized and non-randomized) study design. RESULTS Thirty-three studies were included. Most of the identified mental health training programs contained knowledge-based components and active learning activities. Changes in participants' attitudes, stigma, knowledge, confidence and skills were frequently assessed. An extensive range of self-assessment and observational instruments used to evaluate the impact of the training programs were identified. Positive improvements in participants' attitudes, knowledge and stigma were frequently identified following participation in training programs. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlights the importance of mental health training programs in increasing pharmacists', pharmacy staff and pharmacy students' skills and confidence to deliver mental health care in community pharmacy. Future research should build upon this basis and further focus on finding the most efficient measures to evaluate these training programs and assess their long-term effectiveness, allowing comparison between programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Crespo-Gonzalez
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Dineen-Griffin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Rae
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney A Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
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9
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Suicide Prevention in Nigeria: Can Community Pharmacists Have a Role? PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10050109. [PMID: 36136842 PMCID: PMC9498746 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10050109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a global public health problem and is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Over 700,000 people die by suicide globally each year, affecting all ages, genders, and regions. Community pharmacists are easily accessible and trusted frontline healthcare professionals. They provide pharmaceutical care to the community, yet their role is still yet to be fully optimised. With the expanding role of community pharmacists and their constant accessibility to the local population, they could have a potential role in suicide prevention and awareness in Nigeria through restriction of means, signposting to services, and conversations with patients built on trusting relationships. In this commentary, we review the literature on the involvement of community pharmacists in suicide prevention. In addition, we discuss the potential role of community pharmacists in Nigeria through establishing trusting relationships with patients, clinical counselling, and medication gatekeeping, given the existing gaps in knowledge and awareness of suicide prevention within community settings. This commentary also outlines potential barriers and solutions, making suggestions for future research.
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10
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A Sisyphean task: assessing suicide ideation. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:411-412. [PMID: 35125123 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610222000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Lee KC, Silvia RJ, Payne GH, Moore TD, Ansara ED, Ross CA. Best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacy practice, part 2: Confirmation of the attribute statements. Ment Health Clin 2022; 12:65-76. [PMID: 35582319 PMCID: PMC9009822 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2022.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) used multiple modalities to develop and refine 28 attribute statements to describe a best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacists. Before addressing implementation, assessment, and field testing, it was necessary to finalize and confirm the statements and their supporting narratives among stakeholders. The objective of this project was to confirm the attribute statements and supporting justifications for a best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacists providing direct patient care. Methods The 4 phases that resulted in the 28 attribute statements and supporting narratives have been described and published elsewhere. As part of phase 5, the confirmation survey was distributed to pharmacists and resident members of AAPP in November 2021 for 3 weeks. Results The survey respondents (n = 74; 6.1%) were licensed pharmacists for an average of 15.6 years (SD = 12.0) and had been practicing as psychiatric pharmacists for an average of 11.3 years (SD = 10.4). Slightly more than half (54.2%) of the respondents reported practicing in the outpatient setting and three-fourths (74.3%) were Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists. For each of the 28 statements, more than 90% of respondents either agreed or agreed with minimal reservations. Discussion Given the high degree of agreement on the proposed practice model statements, they will be used as the basis for the outpatient psychiatric pharmacist best practice model. Next steps in developing this model include establishing implementation guidance, determining appropriate metrics for evaluation of these statements in practice, and establishing appropriate field-testing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard J. Silvia
- Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy-Boston, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory H. Payne
- Director of Strategic Initiatives, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Tera D. Moore
- Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, Clinical Pharmacy Practice Office, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC
| | - Elayne D. Ansara
- Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner–Mental Health, Veteran Health Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Clint A. Ross
- Pharmacy Coordinator, Institute of Psychiatry, MUSC Health, Charleston, South Carolina
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12
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Pothireddy N, Lavigne JE, Groman AS, Carpenter DM. Developing and evaluating a module to teach suicide prevention communication skills to student pharmacists. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2022; 14:449-456. [PMID: 35483810 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine whether a brief educational intervention for student pharmacists about individuals who exhibit suicide warning signs improves knowledge and confidence to recognize suicide warning signs, ask about suicide, validate feelings, and expedite referrals. METHODS This longitudinal, observational study was conducted with student pharmacists from two pharmacy schools in 2019. Students completed a suicide prevention module adapted from the Veteran Administration's S.A.V.E. suicide prevention gatekeeper training program (completion rate 67%). The module included a video case of an individual who exhibits suicide warning signs, a brief didactic lecture, and a role-play practice session. Text responses were coded by three independent raters. Students completed a multiple-choice pretest and posttest to assess knowledge and confidence. Paired samples t-tests were calculated to examine changes in students' knowledge and confidence scores. RESULTS Students' (N = 139) confidence and knowledge in recognizing and managing suicide warning signs improved significantly. There was improvement in how many students directly asked about suicide and expedited a referral. Most students (86%) reported planning to incorporate what they learned into practice. CONCLUSIONS In two schools of pharmacy, a brief suicide prevention module was implemented and adapted to the community pharmacy setting, which improved pharmacy students' knowledge and confidence to interact with an individual who exhibits suicide warning signs. S.A.V.E. teaches students how to communicate with an individual in crisis in a way that can be integrated into a busy pharmacy workflow, which may be why students planned to incorporate it into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithya Pothireddy
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
| | - Jill E Lavigne
- St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy, 3690 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, United States.
| | - Aleah S Groman
- St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy, 3690 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, United States.
| | - Delesha M Carpenter
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 220 Campus Drive, Karpen Hall, CPO 2125, Asheville, NC 28804, United States.
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13
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Gorton HC, Macfarlane H, Edwards R, Farid S, Garner E, Mahroof M, Rasul S, Keating D, Zaman H, Scott J, Maidment I, Strawbridge J. UK and Ireland survey of MPharm student and staff experiences of mental health curricula, with a focus on Mental Health First Aid. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:73. [PMID: 34465394 PMCID: PMC8406829 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One in four people experience a mental health problem every year and improving mental health care is an international priority. In the course of their work, pharmacists frequently encounter people with mental health problems. The experience of mental health teaching, including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, in undergraduate pharmacy (MPharm) students in the UK and Ireland is not well documented. Students’ viewpoints, contextualised with curricular overviews provided by staff, were analysed to understand their experience. Methods An anonymous, online questionnaire was distributed to MPharm students and staff in the UK and Ireland. Students were asked closed questions regarding their course and exposure to MHFA, which were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open questions were included to enable explanations and these data were used to contextualise the quantitative findings. One member of staff from each university was invited to answer a modified staff version of the questionnaire, to provide a curriculum overview and staff perspective. Results 232 students and 13 staff, from 22 universities, responded. Three-quarters of students did not agree with the statement that ‘mental health was embedded throughout the MPharm’. Most students (80.6%) stated that they were taught neuropharmacology whilst 44.8% stated that their course included communicating with people about their mental health. One-third (33.2%) of students stated that their degree ‘adequately prepared them to help people with their mental health’. Twenty-six students (11.6%) had completed MHFA training of which 89% would endorse inclusion of this within the MPharm. Of those who had not completed the training, 81% expressed a desire to do so. Those who completed MHFA training self-reported greater preparedness than those who did not, but student numbers were small. Conclusions Mental health teaching for pharmacy undergraduates is more focussed on theoretical aspects rather than applied skills. MHFA was viewed by students as one way to enhance skill application. The association of the increased self-reported preparedness of those who completed MHFA could be confounded by a positive environmental cultural. MPharm programmes need sufficient focus on real-world skills such as communication and crisis response, to complement the fundamental science. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40545-021-00364-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Gorton
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK.
| | - H Macfarlane
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.,Pharmacy Department, Secure and Complex Care, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - R Edwards
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Farid
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - E Garner
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - M Mahroof
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - S Rasul
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - D Keating
- Pharmacy Department, Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, County Dublin, Ireland
| | - H Zaman
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - J Scott
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - I Maidment
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - J Strawbridge
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Areas of Improvement in Suicide Risk Identification, Assessment, and Risk Mitigation Documentation by Mental Health Prescribers at a Veterans Affairs Health Care System. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021; 48:633-638. [PMID: 33400049 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-020-01097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Veterans have a suicide rate 1.5 times higher than the non-veteran population. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented suicide risk screening recommendations in 2018. This project assessed the impact of mental health (MH) prescribers on these recommendations and identified areas of improvement. METHODS Seventy MH Clinical Pharmacy Specialists (CPS) and 52 other MH prescribers were included. Patients with a positive question nine (from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and a same-day Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) between 11/01/18 and 11/01/19 at a VA system were reviewed. Completion of same-day Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation (CSRE), same-day Suicide Prevention Safety Plan (SPSP), number of patients who were not offered naloxone despite access to opioids, and number of patients who were not offered a gunlock despite access to firearms were compared between groups. Time from C-SSRS to suicidal behavior was compared between those who did and did not receive a same-day CSRE. RESULTS MH CPS were significantly more likely to complete a same-day CSRE (p = 0.0201) and SPSP (p < 0.001) when recommended. Naloxone outcomes were not assessed due to availability of only one data point. Rates of gunlock offers did not differ significantly between groups (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.3189) however there was no documentation stating why they were not offered when appropriate 40% of the time. Time to suicidal behavior did not vary across patients based on CSRE completion (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION MH CPS play an important role in suicide risk screening for veterans. There is a need for improvement regarding the offering and documentation of firearm risk mitigation strategies.
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Dillon CB, Saab MM, Meehan E, Goodwin MJ, Murphy M, Heffernan MS, Greaney MS, Kilty C, Hartigan I, Chambers D, Twomey U, Horgan A. Staff awareness of suicide and self-harm risk in healthcare settings: A mixed-methods systematic review. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:898-906. [PMID: 32739708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide risk screening in healthcare settings plays a significant role in suicide prevention. Healthcare staff who are poorly informed about self-harm and suicide risk are less likely to identify and subsequently screen at-risk individuals. This mixed-method systematic review aimed to appraise and synthesise evidence from studies that explored and promoted healthcare staff's knowledge and awareness of suicide and self-harm risk in healthcare settings. METHODS Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycARTICLES, Psychology and behavioural Science Collection, ERIC, and SocINDEX), the Cochrane Library, and various grey literature databases were searched for relevant studies. The level of evidence and methodological quality of the included studies were assessed. RESULTS Eighteen empirical studies were included. Levels of knowledge about suicide and self-harm risk varied significantly across the reviewed studies. Face-to-face group training and educational programmes, digital or online educational programmes, and an educational poster campaign were amongst the strategies used to promote awareness of suicide and self-harm risk, with the majority marginally succeeding in doing so. LIMITATIONS The reviewed studies were heterogeneous in terms of design, interventions, and outcome measures which made it difficult to make comparisons. The overall level of scientific evidence was classified as being relatively low. The lack of blinding and lack of a control group were amongst the limitations for experimental studies. CONCLUSIONS Long-term, routine face-to-face group training programmes should be established to educate healthcare staff about suicide risk across all professions and in specific patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina B Dillon
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | - Mohamad M Saab
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Elaine Meehan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Mr John Goodwin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Margaret Murphy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | - Caroline Kilty
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Irene Hartigan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Una Twomey
- Health Service Executive Southern Area, Ireland
| | - Aine Horgan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland.
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Witry M, Karamese H, Pudlo A. Evaluation of participant reluctance, confidence, and self-reported behaviors since being trained in a pharmacy Mental Health First Aid initiative. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232627. [PMID: 32365115 PMCID: PMC7197798 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the U.S., an estimated one in five individuals experience a mental illness annually which contribute to significant human and economic cost. Pharmacists serving in a public health capacity are positioned to provide first aid level intervention to people experiencing a mental health crisis. Research on pharmacy professionals (pharmacists, technicians, students) undergoing training in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) can provide evidence of the potential benefits of such training. The objectives of this study were to 1) describe the reluctance and confidence to intervene in mental health crises of pharmacy professionals previously trained in MHFA, 2) describe their self-reported use of MHFA behaviors since becoming trained, and 3) describe participant open-ended feedback on their MHFA training. Materials and methods: An electronic survey was disseminated in May and June, 2019 using a four-email sequence to pharmacy professionals who had completed MHFA training from one of five pharmacist MHFA trainers throughout 2018. Domains included demographics, six Likert-type reluctance items, seven Likert-type confidence items for performing MHFA skills, and frequency of using a set of nine MHFA skills since being trained. Prompts collected open-ended feedback related to MHFA experiences and training. Descriptive statistics were used for scaled and multiple-choice items and a basic content analysis was performed on the open-ended items to group them into similar topics. Results: Ninety-eight out of 227 participants responded to the survey yielding a response rate of 44%. Participants reported high levels of disagreement to a set of reluctance items for intervening and overall high levels of confidence in performing a range of MHFA skills. Participant self-reported use of a set of MHFA skills ranged from 19% to 82% since being trained in MHFA. Almost half (44%) of participants had asked someone if they were considering suicide. A majority (61%) also had referred someone to resources because of a mental health crisis. Open-ended responses included positive experiences alongside important challenges to using MHFA in practice and recommendations including additional training focused on the pharmacy setting. Conclusions: Pharmacy professionals in this evaluation reported little reluctance and high confidence related to using MHFA training and reported use of MHFA skills since being trained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Witry
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Hacer Karamese
- Center for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Iowa College of Education, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Anthony Pudlo
- Iowa Pharmacy Association, Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America
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17
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Murphy AL, O'Reilly CL, Ataya R, Doucette SP, Burge FI, Salvador-Carulla L, Chen TF, Himmelman D, Kutcher S, Martin-Misener R, Rosen A, Gardner DM. Survey of Australian and Canadian Community Pharmacists' Experiences With Patients at Risk of Suicide. Psychiatr Serv 2020; 71:293-296. [PMID: 31744430 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201900244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study's objective was to examine Canadian and Australian community pharmacists' experiences with people at risk of suicide. METHODS A survey was developed and administered online. Countries were compared by Fisher's exact and t tests. Multivariable logistic-regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with preparedness to help someone in a suicidal crisis. RESULTS The survey was completed by 235 Canadian and 161 Australian pharmacists. Most (85%) interacted with someone at risk of suicide at least once, and 66% experienced voluntary patient disclosure of suicidal thoughts. More Australians than Canadians had mental health crisis training (p<0.001). Preparedness to help in a suicidal crisis was negatively associated with being Canadian, having a patient who died by suicide, lacking training and confidence, and permissive attitudes toward suicide. CONCLUSIONS Several perceived barriers impede pharmacists' abilities to help patients who voluntarily disclose suicidal thoughts. Gatekeeper and related suicide prevention strategy training for community pharmacists is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Murphy
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Claire L O'Reilly
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Randa Ataya
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Steve P Doucette
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Frederick I Burge
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Luis Salvador-Carulla
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Timothy F Chen
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Dani Himmelman
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Stanley Kutcher
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Ruth Martin-Misener
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - Alan Rosen
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
| | - David M Gardner
- College of Pharmacy (Murphy, Ataya, Gardner), Department of Psychiatry (Murphy, Kutcher, Gardner), Department of Family Medicine (Burge), and School of Nursing (Martin-Misener), all at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (O'Reilly, Chen); Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax (Doucette); Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (Salvador-Carulla); Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax (Himmelman); Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney (Rosen); Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (Rosen); Independent Senators Group, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Kutcher). Dr. Kutcher was with IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, at the time of this study
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Hall PD, Fish H, McBane S, Mercer J, Moreau C, Owen J, Policastri A, Rattinger GB, Srivastava SB, Thomas MC, Bradley-Baker LR. The Report of the 2018-2019 Professional Affairs Standing Committee: The Role of Educators in Pharmacy Practice Transformation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2019; 83:7596. [PMID: 32001892 PMCID: PMC6983901 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The 2018-2019 Professional Affairs Committee examined the potential roles and needs of clinical educators (faculty and preceptors) in leading transformation in pharmacy practice. The committee was charged to (1) discuss the potential roles and responsibilities of faculty and preceptors leading transformation and enhanced patient care services in pharmacy practice; (2) describe factors, including clinician well-being and resilience, which may influence faculty and preceptor involvement in practice transformation and the enhancement of patient care services; and (3) recommend how the efforts and successes of faculty and preceptors involved in pharmacy practice transformation can be replicated and recognized as well as identify the types of continuing professional development (CPD) that should be available to enable the influence and implementation of patient care services. This report provides a framework for addressing the committee charges by examining the roles of advocacy, collaboration, continuing professional development, and clinician resilience and well-being. The committee provides a revision to a current AACP policy regarding continuing professional development as well as several recommendations to AACP and suggestions to colleges and schools of pharmacy pertaining to the committee charges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Hall
- Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Hannah Fish
- National Community Pharmacists Association, Alexandria, Virginia
| | - Sarah McBane
- West Coast University School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jeff Mercer
- Harding University College of Pharmacy, Searcy, Arkansas
| | - Cynthia Moreau
- Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
| | - James Owen
- American Pharmacists Association, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Anne Policastri
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gail B Rattinger
- Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton, New York
| | - Sneha Baxi Srivastava
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Pharmacy, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael C Thomas
- Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, Alabama
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Hegerl U, Maxwell M, Harris F, Koburger N, Mergl R, Székely A, Arensman E, Van Audenhove C, Larkin C, Toth MD, Quintão S, Värnik A, Genz A, Sarchiapone M, McDaid D, Schmidtke A, Purebl G, Coyne JC, Gusmão R. Prevention of suicidal behaviour: Results of a controlled community-based intervention study in four European countries. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224602. [PMID: 31710620 PMCID: PMC6844461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The 'European Alliance Against Depression' community-based intervention approach simultaneously targets depression and suicidal behaviour by a multifaceted community based intervention and has been implemented in more than 115 regions worldwide. The two main aims of the European Union funded project "Optimizing Suicide Prevention Programmes and Their Implementation in Europe" were to optimise this approach and to evaluate its implementation and impact. This paper reports on the primary outcome of the intervention (the number of completed and attempted suicides combined as 'suicidal acts') and on results concerning process evaluation analysis. Interventions were implemented in four European cities in Germany, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland, with matched control sites. The intervention comprised activities with predefined minimal intensity at four levels: training of primary care providers, a public awareness campaign, training of community facilitators, support for patients and their relatives. Changes in frequency of suicidal acts with respect to a one-year baseline in the four intervention regions were compared to those in the four control regions (chi-square tests). The decrease in suicidal acts compared to baseline in the intervention regions (-58 cases, -3.26%) did not differ significantly (χ2 = 0.13; p = 0.72) from the decrease in the control regions (-18 cases, -1.40%). However, intervention effects differed between countries (χ2 = 8.59; p = 0.04), with significant effects on suicidal acts in Portugal (χ2 = 4.82; p = 0.03). The interviews and observations explored local circumstances in each site throughout the study. Hypothesised mechanisms of action for successful implementation were observed and drivers for 'added-value' were identified: local partnership working and 'in-kind' contributions; an approach which valued existing partnership strengths; and synergies operating across intervention levels. It can be assumed that significant events during the implementation phase had a certain impact on the observed outcomes. However, this impact was, of course, not proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Hegerl
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Margaret Maxwell
- Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Harris
- Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Koburger
- Department of Research Services, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxonia, Germany
| | - Roland Mergl
- Department of Psychology, Bundeswehr University Munich
| | - András Székely
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ella Arensman
- National Suicide Research Foundation and School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Chantal Van Audenhove
- Center for care research and consultancy at KU Leuven (LUCAS), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Larkin
- National Suicide Research Foundation and School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mónika Ditta Toth
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sónia Quintão
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Airi Värnik
- Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute (ERSI), Tallinn, Estonia & Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Axel Genz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Saxonia-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Marco Sarchiapone
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - David McDaid
- London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Armin Schmidtke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - György Purebl
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - James C. Coyne
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Gusmão
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- ISPUP, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Torok M, Shand F, Phillips M, Meteoro N, Martin D, Larsen M. Data-informed targets for suicide prevention: a small-area analysis of high-risk suicide regions in Australia. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2019; 54:1209-1218. [PMID: 31041467 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-019-01716-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate small-area variation in risks associated with suicide deaths across four regional communities in New South Wales, Australia, and to determine whether these areas have unique demographic and socioeconomic risk profiles that could inform targeted means restriction suicide prevention efforts. METHODS Archival data on suicide mortality for all deaths in New South Wales, Australia, over the period 2006-2015 were geospatially attributed to four high-risk priority regions. Deaths in the four regions were compared to each other, and to NSW, on demographic factors, indicators of economic deprivation, and suicide means. RESULTS Priority means restriction targets were identified for all sites. In Murrumbidgee, suicide deaths were significantly more likely to involve firearms and older males (p < 0.001). The Central Coast had a greater proportion of overdose deaths (p < 0.001), which were associated with being female and unemployed. Suicide deaths in Newcastle were associated with being younger (p = 0.001) and involving 'jumping from a height' (p < 0.001), while economic deprivation was a major risk for suicide death in Illawarra Shoalhaven (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Local regions were significantly differentiated from each other, and from the State, in terms of priority populations and means of suicide, demonstrating the need for locally based, targeted interventions. There were, however, also some risk constancies across all sites (males, hanging, economic deprivation), suggesting that prevention initiatives should, optimally, be delivered within multilevel models that target risk commonalities and provide tailored initiatives that address risk specific to a region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - F Shand
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Phillips
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - N Meteoro
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - D Martin
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Larsen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Kassir H, Eaton H, Ferguson M, Procter NG. Role of the pharmacist in suicide prevention: primely positioned to intervene. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Kassir
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
| | - Heather Eaton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
| | - Monika Ferguson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
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Community pharmacy staff interactions with patients who have risk factors or warning signs of suicide. Res Social Adm Pharm 2019; 16:349-359. [PMID: 31182418 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about community pharmacy staff members' interactions with patients at risk of suicide. OBJECTIVES To: 1) develop a measure to assess the frequency with which pharmacy staff encounter patients with suicide risk factors and warning signs; 2) to assess the measure's validity and reliability; and 3) describe pharmacy staff members' interactions with at-risk patients and their suicide prevention training preferences. METHODS A convenience sample of 501 community pharmacy staff members who worked in North Carolina completed an anonymous online survey. A 10-item measure (the Pharmacy Suicide Interaction Scale (PSIS)) assessed how often respondents encountered patients with suicide risk factors or warning signs, and one open-ended question elicited barriers to interacting with these patients. Psychometric analyses, including an exploratory factor analysis, were performed to examine the validity and reliability of the PSIS. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically. RESULTS The PSIS possessed two factors (or subscales): a non-verbal suicide warning signs and risk factors subscale (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79) and a verbal warning signs subscale (Cronbach's alpha = 0.67). Respondents who knew a patient who had died by suicide had higher mean scores on the non-verbal and verbal subscales, indicating that the PSIS had construct validity. Many respondents (22.4%) knew a patient who died by suicide, and 21.6% of respondents had patients request a lethal dose of medication. Interactions occurred both face-to-face and over the phone, and respondents most commonly reacted to patients by contacting others or offering emotional support. Few respondents (8.8%) had suicide prevention training or resources, but most (89.6%) desired additional training. CONCLUSION Many community pharmacy staff members have interacted with patients who exhibited suicide warning signs or died by suicide. Suicide prevention training may help prepare pharmacy staff to recognize, communicate with, and refer at-risk patients.
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Witry MJ, Neblett K, Hutchens S, Catney C. When a patient talks about suicide: Adding a social worker led session on the pharmacist's role in suicide prevention to the PharmD curriculum. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2019; 11:585-591. [PMID: 31213314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US. Frontline health professionals like pharmacists can be trained to intervene with patients displaying warning signs of suicide. The purpose of this activity was to introduce student pharmacists to suicide prevention concepts. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING A social worker on faculty at the school of social work and a pharmacy practice faculty member collaborated to deliver a 50-min didactic session to first year students on the role of pharmacists in suicide prevention. The session included: (1) suicide statistics and public health signiifcance, (2) protective factors, risk factors, and warning signs of suicidal ideation, (3) strategies for asking about suicidal ideation, including practice asking about suicide, (4) resources and referrals, and (5) brief case scenarios and student questions. FINDINGS An electronic survey was administered to 108 students and 83 responses (76.9%) were received. The results suggested the topic was new to most students and was relevant to their role as pharmacists. Most students (91%) reported that the session increased their confidence in asking about suicide for someone displaying warning signs. Student comments on the survey were generally positive with students requesting additional exposure to scenarios. Pharmacy programs may benefit from collaborating with social work or mental health professionals to deliver basic suicide intervention training tailored to pharmacy. SUMMARY A social worker-led session about suicide prevention was positively received by first year student pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Witry
- University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Division of Health Services Research, 115 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - Keri Neblett
- University of Iowa School of Social Work, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - Sonja Hutchens
- University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - Christine Catney
- University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
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Cates ME, Hodges JRC, Woolley TW. Pharmacists' attitudes, interest, and perceived skills regarding suicide prevention. Ment Health Clin 2019; 9:30-35. [PMID: 30627501 PMCID: PMC6322818 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacists have been called upon to be involved in suicide prevention efforts, but little is known regarding their attitudes, interest, and perceived skills in the area. Methods The study was a voluntary, anonymous survey of pharmacists who attended a large end-of-year continuing education program sponsored by a school of pharmacy. The survey included the Attitudes to Suicide Prevention (ASP) Scale, items concerning interest in suicide prevention, and items from the suicide skills section of the Suicide Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire. Results The survey was completed by 227/297 (76.4%) pharmacists. The percentage of participants who expressed interest in direct involvement, indirect involvement, and receiving training in suicide prevention were 25%, 46%, and 56%, respectively. The mean total score on the ASP was 32.2 ± 5.5. Approximately 4% to 8% of participants agreed that they had the requisite training, skills, or support/supervision to engage and assist suicidal patients, and 22% agreed to feeling comfortable asking their patients direct and open questions about suicide. The ASP scores and items relating to perceived skills were correlated with interest in direct involvement in suicide prevention. Discussion There were some positive findings, but overall, the pharmacists who participated in this survey felt unprepared to be frontline clinicians in suicide prevention efforts. Further studies should be conducted to determine if these findings are generally reflective of the broader pharmacy community. If the profession is to have a serious role in suicide prevention, then adequate suicide prevention training for pharmacy students and pharmacists may be necessary.
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A review of suicide prevention programs and training policies for pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2018; 58:522-529. [PMID: 30017371 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The availability of suicide prevention training programs for pharmacists is unknown and may depend on state training requirements. This study's objectives were to: 1) report state training requirements for pharmacist suicide education; and 2) describe educational resources that are available to prepare pharmacists for interactions with patients at risk of suicide. METHODS Each state's board of pharmacy was contacted from July to November 2017 to determine whether that state required pharmacists to complete suicide prevention training. A scoping literature review completed in August 2017 identified suicide prevention resources for pharmacy professionals. A systematic search of 5 databases and Google yielded publications and online resources that were screened for full review. Two coders reviewed articles and resources that met inclusion criteria and extracted data on program format and length, intended audience (i.e., students, practicing pharmacists), learning methods, topics covered, and outcomes assessed. RESULTS Only Washington State requires pharmacists to obtain suicide prevention training. Sixteen suicide education programs and resources targeted pharmacists, including 8 in-person courses, 6 online courses, and 2 written resources. Five resources exclusively targeted pharmacists and 2 exclusively targeted student pharmacists. Most programs included information on suicide statistics, how to identify individuals at risk of suicide, how to communicate with someone who is suicidal, and how to refer patients to treatment resources. The long-term effectiveness of the programs at improving outcomes was not reported. CONCLUSION Although only 1 state requires pharmacists to obtain training on suicide prevention, there are several resources available to help prepare pharmacists to interact with individuals at risk of suicide.
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