title: Continuing Education on Suicide Assessment and Crisis Intervention: What Can We Learn About the Needs of Mental Health Professionals in Community Practice?
abstract: This study examined the impact of a 1-day continuing education training for mental health professionals on knowledge and confidence around suicide assessment and intervention. Data on knowledge, confidence and the utility of information were collected through pretests and posttests at 12 trainings at local community agencies. Findings indicate that a continuing education workshop can increase knowledge and self-confidence. Several participant characteristics were associated with knowledge and confidence at pretest; only being trained as a mental health professional and previous training remained significant at posttest. Participants identified training components which were new and useful. Implications for training and education are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Riverside Trauma Center, Needham, MA, 02494, USA. rmirick@salemstate.edu.|Salem State University School of Social Work, Salem, MA, 01970, USA. rmirick@salemstate.edu.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mirick
authors.affiliation: Riverside Trauma Center, Needham, MA, 02494, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCauley
authors.affiliation: Riverside Trauma Center, Needham, MA, 02494, USA.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bridger
authors.affiliation: Riverside Trauma Center, Needham, MA, 02494, USA.
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Berkowitz
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000193:education*; D004493:Education; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
keywords: Continuing education; Suicide; Suicide assessment; Suicide prevention; Training