Evaluation of sustainable, blended learning workforce education for suicide prevention in youth services

The escalating concern of youth suicide, the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-34 in the U.S., underscores the critical need for effective suicide prevention training in youth services. SafeSide Prevention's InPlace Learning, an innovative, sustainable blended learning approach, has successfully equipped youth services staff with essential suicide prevention skills. This initiative was meticulously analyzed in a recent Children and Youth Services Review study.

InPlace Learning integrates video-guided instruction, interactive web-based sessions, and continuous learning through practical job aids, ensuring a comprehensive training solution. The initiative involved 25 programs and successfully trained 1,162 staff members, achieving an impressive adoption and reach with 64% staff participation.

Key findings from the study include a notable increase in staff self-efficacy post-training, particularly among non-clinical personnel who previously rated lower in confidence. The training enhanced participants' ability to effectively engage with and support individuals at risk. One standout statistic is that post-training evaluations indicated significant gains in skills related to suicide prevention, with staff feeling more prepared and competent in addressing suicide concerns.

Dr. Anthony Pisani of SafeSide Prevention emphasized, "This training not only equips staff with knowledge but, importantly, instills a robust confidence across clinical and non-clinical roles, fostering a unified, effective approach to suicide prevention within youth services."

For a deeper understanding of how blended learning can revolutionize suicide prevention efforts in youth services and to explore detailed outcomes and personal accounts from the training, download the full article here.