Suicide Prevention for Healthcare Providers

This course is intended to equip Healthcare Providers with the information necessary for effective suicide prevention. By understanding risk and protective factors, trainees will gain increased capabilities at identifying the best course of action when dealing with suicide cases. The course will address suicide statistics, assessment, treatment, and management. By the completion of the course, the learner will demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based screening and prevention of suicide by passing a post-test with a score ≥ 80%. The course is based on current empirical research and best-known evidence-based practices.

This course is appropriate for:

• Registered nurses
• Advanced practice registered nurses
• Midwives
• Licensed practical nurses
• Certified nursing assistants
• Physicians (MD and DO)
• Physicians assistants
• Social works
• Dentists
• Other dental health professionals
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Speech language pathologists
• Others who work in the healthcare field with patients

At the completion of this activity, healthcare providers will be able to:

• Describe how to screen for suicidality as measured by completion of a post-presentation quiz
• Describe the appropriate steps to take after identifying a patient at risk for suicide, as measured by completion of a post-presentation quiz
• Identify specific populations at greatest risk for suicide as measured by completion of a mid-lecture self-check question
• Describe key risk factors for suicide, including PTSD and chronic stress as measured by mid-lecture and post-presentation assessments
• Demonstrate competence with the appropriate use of a suicide screening tool to identify those at risk for suicide during a case study

At the completion of this activity, assistants, aids, support staff, and pharmacy technicians will be able to:

• Identify specific populations at greatest risk for suicide
• Identify risk factors for suicide