August 3, 2017
education knowledge translation resources suicide prevention what we do

How to use our resources

Here at CSP we have many free resources on our website and in print.

These resources are created using a process called “knowledge translation.” This means that we gather primary research (research published in books, journals, etc.) and translate it so that this otherwise very complex and plentiful information is easier to understand.

For example, instead of saying:

“Prolonged duration of all five acute stress reaction components was associated with all four outcomes, with the strongest associations being with post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms. The occurrence of physical symptoms of arousal is an immediate predictor of long-term sequelae. Three other components—disturbed sleep, irritability and social withdrawal—provide potential indicators of long-term emotional sequelae as early as 2 days post-incident.”

We say:

“If trauma symptoms go on for more than one month, that individual should be assessed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”

Knowledge translation is also helpful because of the massive amounts of information available on any given topic. Our library has over 45,000 items relating specifically to suicide! You don’t have to buy journal subscriptions and books to search continually for the most current and accurate information – that’s what we do!

Now that you know how we get information for our resources, here’s a short intro to many types of resources, and some suggestions on how they might be most useful to you.

Infographics

Infographics are visual representations of information with both images and words.

What they’re good for:

  • Providing you with summary of or introduction to a topic that is new to you

Suggestions for use:

  • Public bulletin board located in places such as libraries, government buildings, post-secondary institutions, public health clinics, medical clinics, coffee shops
  • In an adult learning classroom, at presentations, at a workplace
  • Anywhere a brief introduction to the topic is needed

Toolkits

Toolkits provide statistics, facts, and other important information regarding the topic.

What they’re good for:

  • Providing you with an introduction to a topic and need-to-know information

Suggestions for use:

  • Medical clinic and social service agency brochure displays
  • In an adult learning classroom, at presentations, at a workplace, at schools for parent councils
  • Anywhere a brief introduction to the topic is needed

Editorial articles & other articles

Our “infoExchange” articles thoroughly examine topics in a way that encourages conversation, written in an editorial style. These tend to be longer, and more academic in nature. The same applies to our other articles, which are less editorial in nature and more objective.

What they’re good for:

  • Offering insight and opinions about one certain topic
  • Gaining a better understanding of the topic through an overview of our own exploration of academic literature

Suggestions for use:

  • In an adult learning classroom, at presentations, at a workplace
  • As a discussion piece at staff meetings particularly for people working in health, social service, education or justice settings, or any other gathering of individuals interested in the topic
  • As a starting point for researchers and students looking for an academic introduction to a topic

Other resource types include:

FAQ: this listing of frequently asked questions about suicide is a good place to start for someone who knows very little about the topic, or is curious about common question surrounding it.

Guides: these are instructional, ready-to-use, practical resources, suitable for the situation for which they were developed (e.g. Lesson Plan suitable for teaching in the classroom, Youth at Risk suitable for parents, youth, adults who work with youth and anyone concerned about a youth in their life).

Statistics: we track the Canadian suicide stats by province and nationally in a spreadsheet that can be of use to anyone doing research, or to anyone interested in suicide statistics.

Webinars: the resources are archived webinar series covering topics pertinent to teachers, other school staff all adults who work or volunteer with youth, and anyone interested in youth suicide.

Videos: these short, educational videos are about 1 minute long, and explain different, very basic and general topics about suicide prevention and why it is important.