Gatekeeper Training as a Preventative Intervention for Suicide: a Systematic Review

The authors examined gatekeeper training with 2 aims: to review the state of the evidence on gatekeeper training for suicide prevention, & to propose directions for further research. Studies were identified by searching Medline & Psycinfo as well as a manual scan of relevant articles’ bibliographies. It was concluded that gatekeeper training is successful at imparting knowledge, building skills, & molding the attitudes of trainees. However, more work needs to be done on the longevity of these traits & referral patterns of gatekeepers. There is a need for randomized trials & the elucidation of the unique effect of gatekeeper training on suicide rates. (41 refs.)