An Evaluation of a Public Health Intervention Aimed at Increasing Knowledge and Improving Behaviors Surrounding Suicide Prevention among Genesee Health System Staff and Genesee County Community Members

Abstract

Background: Genesee Health System (GHS) implemented a Suicide Prevention Campaign from January 2021 through September 2021. The Suicide Prevention campaign was aimed at increasing knowledge and behaviors surrounding suicide prevention among community members and professionals in Genesee County. The concepts of the campaign aligned with common gatekeeper trainings and was implemented on a multisectoral level. Sectors targeted for the intervention included GHS staff and external community members. The campaign utilized a one-hour virtual training module through LivingWorks Start. The training module administers different scenarios and interactive events that cover topics relating to suicide risk, steps to recognize thoughts of suicide, and safety resources that participants can access using LivingWorks Connect, an online resource portal.

Methods: Participants of the training module completed pre- and post-surveys focusing on the following questions: how willing participants are to talk with someone who may be thinking about suicide, recognizing the signs of someone who may be thinking about suicide, knowing where to get help for someone, and confidence in the ability to help someone who may be thinking about suicide. Upon completion of the post-survey, participants received a certificate of completion for the training course administered through LivingWorks Start. An outcome evaluation compared baseline data (pre-test) to follow up data (post-test) to analyze the change in knowledge and behavior of participants. The evaluation focused on determining whether the training tool was successful at meeting the expected outcomes by assessing the impact and change in knowledge of those participating in the training regarding access and delivery of suicide care.

Results: There were 872 participants who received LivingWorks Start training licenses; of these, 736 completed the pre- and post-survey. Participants consisted of GHS staff, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment providers, SUD prevention providers, faith-based partners, neighborhood groups, local school districts, local universities, community organizations and coalitions, law enforcement, and hospitals. Most respondents were female, with the average age ranging from 20 to 49 years old. Answers of agreement for questions related to willingness to engage in preventative behaviors increased from pre- to post-survey. Overall, participants reported feeling more confident in their ability to help someone who may be thinking about suicide from pre- to post-test. Knowledge pertaining to recognizing the signs of risk and how to access safety resources increased from pre- to post-test.

Conclusions: Knowledge about access and delivery of suicide care from pre- to post-test increased for the majority of participants. Additionally, the change in likelihood and confidence of participants to speak up and reach out increased from pre- to post-test. The intervention tool was successful in meeting the objectives of the Suicide Prevention Campaign for GHS by contributing to improved knowledge. Randomized control trials are needed to confirm the findings.